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Earthquakes
Earthquakes strike
suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of
time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of
life from an earthquake.
BEFORE Check for hazards in the
home.
- Fasten shelves securely to
walls.
- Place large or heavy objects on
lower shelves.
- Store breakable items such as
bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
- Hang heavy items such as
pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
- Brace overhead light fixtures.
- Repair defective electrical
wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
- Secure a water heater by
strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
- Repair any deep cracks in
ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural
defects.
- Store weed killers, pesticides,
and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on
bottom shelves.
Identify safe places in each room.
- Under sturdy furniture such as a
heavy desk or table.
- Against an inside wall.
- Away from where glass could
shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other
heavy furniture could fall over.
Locate safe places outdoors.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines,
overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Make sure all family members know
how to respond after an earthquake.
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Teach children how and when to call
9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for
emergency information.
Contact your local emergency
management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on
earthquakes.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable battery-operated radio
and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Nonelectric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
Develop an emergency communication
plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a
real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at
school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
Ask an out-of-state relative or
friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often
easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name,
address, and phone number of the contact person.
DURING If indoors:
- Take cover under a piece of
heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on.
- Stay inside.
- The most dangerous thing to do
during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because
objects can fall on you.
If outdoors:
- Move into the open, away from
buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there
until the shaking stops.
If in a moving vehicle:
- Stop quickly and stay in the
vehicle.
- Move to a clear area away from
buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.
- Once the shaking has stopped,
proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by
the quake.
Pets after an Earthquake
- The behavior of pets may change
dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs
may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and
place them in a fenced yard.
- Pets may not be allowed into
shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in
the home that includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large container of
water.
AFTER Be prepared for aftershocks.
Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and
maybring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours,
days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
Help injured or trapped persons.
Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless
they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
Listen to a battery-operated radio
or television for the latest emergency information.
Remember to help your neighbors who
may require special assistance-infants, the elderly, and people with
disabilities.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Use the telephone only for
emergency calls.
- Clean up spilled medicines,
bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area
if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
- Open closet and cupboard doors
cautiously.
- Inspect the entire length of
chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME
Check for gas leaks-If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a
window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main
valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn
off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system
damage-If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot
insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If
you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an
electrician first for advice.
Check for sewage and water lines
damage-If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and
call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid
using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
Source: http://www.insurancesurf.com.
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