When it comes to an earthquake it’s very important to be prepared for any possible injuries, loss of power or heat, damage to homes or personal belongings, and inability to use conventional transportation to find friends or family. It is absolutely necessary that you be ready for whatever circumstances may occur and have safety precautions in place to prevent further damage to your possessions or injury to you or anyone else. When it comes to being prepared for an earthquake in advanced the most important part is to be sure that you know how to respond to an earthquake and to be sure that you’ve planned ahead for any emergency situation.
Prior to an earthquake you want to make sure that you have checked for hazards in your home. Large and heavy objects should be placed low and near to the ground, breakable items should be stored in cabinets with latches, and heavy items like pictures and mirrors should be hung away from beds and couches. It's also important to have electrical wiring and gas connections be made safe and to repair and cracks in ceilings or foundations. Make sure that large objects like water heaters are bolted to the floor and strapped securely to a wall. You may also want to brace overhead light fixtures.
It’s also important to identify safe places both inside and outside your home. Be aware of sturdy furniture that can be used to protect yourself underneath like a table or a desk. Look for glass and windows that can shatter as well as heavy bookcases that might fall along with any other large furniture that might topple over. Outside it’s important to stay away from trees, buildings, telephone poles, electrical lines, and any type of bridge or overpass. Remember to teach young children how to dial 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency and all members of the family should know how to shut off water and gas lines as well as electricity to prevent a fire or explosion from happening. You also want to be aware of where the nearest fire station, red cross, and hospital are and to have a meeting place set up for family and friends to go to in the time of an emergency.
You’ll also want to have a storage of supplies on hand in case of a disaster. Things like a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, emergency food and water, cash and credit cards sturdy shoes, portable radio, any essential medicines, and so forth. It can also be handy to have extra blankets, matches, a small grill for preparing food and other similar things on hand in case heat or electricity isn’t available after a disaster. You’ll also want a way to get in touch with your family in case phones don’t work so make sure that you have some means of communication worked out with them as well.
The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and keep yourself safe. If you can manage that the rest of it will be much easier. Having certain things on hand and knowing what to do will only be helpful if you are able to calmly act out the appropriate actions for your safety and the best way to be able to stay calmed is by being informed. Know your area and what to do in an earthquake and you’ll be much better off if one happens.
