Earthquake
Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and planning in
advance can greatly reduce the chances of serious injury or loss of life from
an earthquake.
Things like repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and
foundations, anchoring overhead light fixtures and fastening shelves securely
to walls will help reduce the impact of an earthquake.
It is also import to place large or heavy objects on lower
shelves, to store breakable items such as glass and china in low, closed
cabinets with latches and to hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away
from beds, couches and anywhere people sit. Keep weed-killers, pesticides and
flammable products securely on bottom shelves and in closed cabinets with
latches.
Make sure all electrical wiring and gas connections are
properly maintained and in good condition so they don’t create fire hazards in
the event of an earthquake.
Before a quake occurs, it is essential to pinpoint safe
locations indoors and out to ride out the shaking. Some safe places indoors are
under sturdy furniture such as heavy desks or tables, against an inside wall or
in an inside corner of a building. Look around outdoors to identify open areas
at home and at work. Stay away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical
lines, overpasses and elevated expressways.
If indoors during a quake, drop to the ground and take
cover. Stay away from anywhere glass could shatter including around windows,
mirrors, pictures or where bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is close by and known to be strongly
supported and load-bearing.
Stay inside until the shaking stops. Research has shown that
most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to different
locations inside or try to go outside.
If outdoors during a quake, stay there. Move away from
buildings, streetlights and utility wires. Once in an open space, remain there
until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings,
at exits and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is
seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties
result from collapsing walls, flying glass and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits
and stay in the vehicle until the shaking subsides. Avoid stopping near or
under buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once
the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges or ramps that might have been
damaged by the earthquake.
In case family members are separated from one another during
an earthquake, which is a strong possibility during the day when adults are at
work and children are at school, develop a plan for reuniting after the
disaster. One idea is to ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the
"family contact." After an earthquake, it's often easier to call long
distance than to make a local call. Make sure everyone in the family knows the
name, address and phone number of this contact person.
Be prepared for aftershocks. They are usually less violent
than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to
weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks or even
months after the initial quake.
Earthquake
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country
(info courtesy of Dare
to Prepare website)
Step 1 - Identify Potential Hazards in Your Home
and Fix Them
Step 2 - Create A Disaster Preparedness Plan
Step 3 - Prepare Disaster Supplies Kits
Step 4 - Identify and Fix Your Building’s
Weaknesses
Step 5 - Drop, Cover and Hold On
Step 6 - Check for Injuries and Damage
Step 7 - When Safe, Continue to Follow Your
Disaster Plan
Go to step #1
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country Step 1
Step #1 to getting started is to “Identify Potential Hazards in Your Home
and Fix Them”.
You should secure anything 1) heavy enough to hurt you if it
falls on you, or 2) fragile and/or expensive enough to be a significant loss if
it falls. In addition to contents within your living space, also secure items
in other areas, such as your garage, to reduce damage to vehicles or hazardous
material spills. There may be
simple actions you can do right now that will protect you if an earthquake
happens tomorrow.
In the kitchen:
Unsecured cabinet doors fly open during earthquakes, allowing glassware and
dishes to crash to the floor. Many types of latches are available to prevent
this: child-proof latches, hook and eye latches, or positive catch latches
designed for boats. Gas appliances should have flexible connectors to reduce
the risk of fire. Secure refrigerators and other major appliances to walls
using earthquake appliance straps.
Place a fire extinguisher (type ABC) in your home.
Electronics:
Televisions, stereos, computers and microwaves and other electronics are heavy
and costly to replace. They can be secured with flexible nylon straps and
buckles for easy removal and relocation.
In the event of a power outage turn all electrical powered equipment and
lights off. Simply, leave one
light on to indicate when power has been restored.
Objects on open
shelves and tabletops: Collectibles, pottery objects, and lamps can become
deadly projectiles. Use either hook and loop fasteners on the table and object,
or non-damaging adhesives such as earthquake putty, clear quake gel, or
microcrystalline wax to secure breakables in place. Move heavy items and
breakables to lower shelves.
Hanging objects:
Mirrors, framed pictures, and other objects should be hung from closed hooks so
that they can’t bounce off the walls. Pictures and mirrors can also be secured
at their corners with earthquake putty. Only soft art such as tapestries should
be placed over beds or sofas.
Furniture: Secure
the tops of all top-heavy furniture, such as bookcases and file cabinets, to a
wall. Be sure to anchor to the stud, and not just to the drywall. Flexible
fasteners such as nylon straps allow tall objects to sway without falling over,
reducing the strain on the studs. Loose shelving can also be secured by
applying earthquake putty on each corner bracket.
Water heater:
Unsecured water heaters often fall over, rupturing rigid water and gas
connections. If your water heater does not have two straps around it that are
screwed into the studs or masonry of the wall, then it is not properly braced.
Bracing kits are available that make this process simple. Have a plumber
install flexible (corrugated) copper water connectors, if not already done.
In the garage or
utility room: Items stored in garages and utility rooms can fall, causing
injuries, damage, and hazardous spills or leaks. They can also block access to
vehicles and exits. Move flammable or hazardous materials to lower shelves or
the floor.
Next issue will highlight Step #2 in the readiness
process. Additional information,
including how-to instructions, is available from the Earthquake Alliance at www.daretoprepare.org
+ Go to Step #2
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake
Country Step 2
Step #2 to getting started is to “Create A Disaster Preparedness Plan”.
Will everyone in your household do the right thing during
the violent shaking of a major earthquake? Before the next earthquake, get
together with your family or housemates to plan now what each person will do
before, during and after.
Once the earthquake is over, we will have to live with the
risk of fire, the potential lack of utilities and basic services, and the
certainty of aftershocks. By planning now, you will be ready. This plan will
also be useful for other emergencies.
Plan NOW to be safe during an earthquake:
Practice
"drop, cover, and hold on."
Identify
safe spots in every room, such as under sturdy desks and tables.
Learn
how to protect yourself no matter where you are when an earthquake strikes.
Plan NOW to respond after an earthquake:
Keep
shoes and a working flashlight next to each bed.
Teach
everyone in your household to use emergency whistles and/or to knock three
times repeatedly if trapped. Rescuers searching collapsed buildings will be listening
for sounds.
Identify
the needs of household members and neighbors with special requirements or
situations, such as use of a wheelchair, walking aids, special diets, or
medication.
Take
a Red Cross first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training course.
Learn who else in your neighborhood is trained in first aid and CPR.
Know
the location of utility shutoffs and keep needed tools nearby. Make sure you
know how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity to your home. Only turn
off the gas if you smell or hear leaking gas.
Get
training from your local fire department in how to properly use a fire
extinguisher.
Install
smoke alarms and test them monthly. Change the battery once a year, or when the
alarm emits a "chirping" sound (low-battery signal).
Check
with your city or county to see if there is a Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) in your area. If not, ask how to start one.
Plan NOW to communicate and recover after an earthquake:
Select
a safe place outside of your home to meet your family or housemates after the
shaking stops.
Designate
an out-of-area contact person who can be called by everyone in the household to
relay information.
Provide
all family members with a list of important contact phone numbers.
Determine
where you might live if your home cannot be occupied after an earthquake or
other disaster.
Know
about the earthquake plan developed by your children's school or day care. Keep
your children's school emergency release card current.
Keep
copies of essential documents, such as identification, insurance policies, and
financial records, in a secure, waterproof container, and keep with your
disaster supplies kits. Include a household inventory (a list and photos or
video of your belongings).
Have occasional earthquake “drills” to practice your plan.
Share your plan with people who take care of your children, pets, or home.
Next issue will highlight Step
#3 in the readiness process.
Additional information, including how-to instructions, is available at www.daretoprepare.org.
+ Go to Step #3
+ Go back to Step #1
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country Step 3
Step #3 to getting started is to “Prepare Disaster Supplies Kits”.
Everyone should have personal disaster supplies kits. Keep
them where you spend most of your time, so they can be reached even if your
building is badly damaged. The kits will be useful for many emergencies.
Keep one kit in your home, another in your car, and a third
kit at work. Backpacks or other small bags are best for your disaster supplies
kits so you can take them with you if you evacuate. Include at least the
following items:
Medications,
prescription list, copies of medical cards, doctor's name and contact
information
Medical
consent forms for dependents
First
aid kit and handbook
Examination
gloves (non-latex)
Dust
mask
Spare
eyeglasses or contact lenses and cleaning solution
Bottled
water
Whistle
(to alert rescuers to your location)
Sturdy
shoes
Emergency
cash (small bills)
Road
maps
List
of emergency out-of-area contact phone numbers
Snack
foods, high in water and calories
Working
flashlight with extra batteries and light bulbs, or light sticks
Personal
hygiene supplies
Comfort
items such as games, crayons, writing materials, teddy bears
Toiletries
and special provisions you need for yourself and others in your family
including elderly, disabled, small children, and animals.
Copies
of personal identification (drivers license, work ID card, etc.)
Household disaster supplies kit
Electrical, water, transportation, and other vital systems
can be disrupted for several days after a large earthquake. Emergency response
agencies and hospitals could be overwhelmed and unable to provide you with
immediate assistance. Providing first aid and having supplies will save lives,
will make life more comfortable, and will help you cope after the next
earthquake.
In addition to your personal disaster supplies kits, store a
household disaster supplies kit in an easily accessible location (in a large
watertight container that can be easily moved), with a three-day to one-week
supply of the following items:
Wrenches
to turn off gas and water supplies
Work
gloves and protective goggles
Heavy
duty plastic bags for waste, and to serve as tarps, rain ponchos, and other
uses
Portable
radio with extra batteries
Additional
flashlights or light sticks
Drinking
water (minimum one gallon per person, per day)
Canned
and packaged foods
Charcoal
or gas grill for outdoor cooking and matches if needed
Cooking
utensils, including a manual can opener
Pet
food and pet restraints
Comfortable,
warm clothing including extra socks
Blankets
or sleeping bags, and perhaps even a tent
Copies
of vital documents such as insurance policies
Child
care kit, games, pictures, toys
Use and replace perishable items like water, food,
medications, first aid items, and batteries on a yearly basis.
A special note about children
If earthquakes scare us because we feel out of control,
think how much more true this must be for children, who already must depend on
adults for so much of their lives. It is important to spend time with children
in your care before the next earthquake to explain why earthquakes occur.
Involve them in developing your disaster plan, prepare disaster supplies kits,
and practice “drop, cover, and hold on.” Consider simulating post-earthquake
conditions by going without electricity or tap water.
After the earthquake, remember that children will be under
great stress. They may be frightened, their routine will probably be disrupted,
and the aftershocks won’t let them forget the experience. Adults tend to leave
their children in order to deal with the many demands of the emergency, but
this can be devastating to children. Extra contact and support from parents in
the early days will pay off later. Whenever possible, include them in the recovery
process.
Next issue will highlight Step #4 in the readiness
process. Additional information,
including how-to instructions, is available at www.daretoprepare.org
+ Go to Step #4
+ Go back to Step #2
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country Step 4
Step #4 to getting started is to “Identify and Fix Your Building’s
Weaknesses”.
Buildings are designed to withstand the downward pull of
gravity, yet earthquakes shake a building in all directions – up and down, but
most of all, sideways. There are several common issues that can limit a
building's ability to withstand this sideways shaking.
Additional information, including how-to instructions, is
available at www.daretoprepare.org.
Common building problems
Most houses are not as safe as they could be. The following
presents some common structural problems and how to recognize them. Once you
determine if your building has one or more of these problems, prioritize how
and when to fix them, and get started.
Inadequate
foundations. Look under your house at your foundation. If the foundation is
damaged or built in the “pier and post” style, consult a contractor or engineer
about replacing it with a continuous perimeter foundation. Look for bolts in
the mudsills. They should be no more than 1.8 meters (6 feet) apart in a single
story and 1.2 meters (4 feet) apart in a multistory building. Adding bolts to
unsecured houses is one of the most important steps toward earthquake safety.
This can be done by a contractor or by someone skilled at home maintenance.
Unbraced cripple
walls. Homes with a crawl space should have panels of plywood connecting
the studs of the short "cripple" walls (see figure). You or a
contractor can strengthen the cripple walls relatively inexpensively.
Soft first stories. Look for larger openings in the lower
floor, such as a garage door or a hillside house built on stilts. Consult a
professional to determine if your building is adequately braced.
Unreinforced masonry.
All masonry (brick or block walls) should be reinforced. Some communities have
a program for retrofitting buildings made of unreinforced masonry. If your
house has masonry as a structural element consult a structural engineer to find
what can be done. Inadequately braced chimneys are a more common problem.
Consult a professional to determine if your chimney is safe.
For those who rent
As a renter, you have less control over the structural
integrity of your building, but you do control which apartment or house you
rent:
Structures
made of unreinforced brick or block walls can collapse and cause great loss of
life.
Apartment
buildings with "tuck-under" parking space openings can also collapse.
Foundation
and cripple wall failures can cause expensive damage but less loss of life.
Objects
attached to the sides of buildings, such as staircases, balconies, and
decorations, can break off in earthquakes.
Ask the landlord these questions:
What
retrofitting has been done on this building?
Have
the water heaters been strapped to the wall studs?
Can
I secure furniture to the walls?
If you live in a mobile home...
Look under your home. If you only see a metal or wood
“skirt” on the outside with concrete blocks or steel tripods or jacks
supporting your home, you need to have an “engineered tie-down system” or an
“earthquake-resistant bracing system” (ERBS) installed. An ERBS should have a
label on the bracing that says, “Complies with the California Administrative
Code, Title 25, Chapter 2, Article 7.5.”
Next issue will highlight Step #5 in the readiness
process. Additional information,
including how-to instructions, is available at www.daretoprepare.org.
+ Go to Step #5
+ Go back to Step #3
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country Step 5
Step #5 to getting started is to “Drop,
Cover and Hold On”.
The previous pages have concentrated on getting ready for
the next earthquake. What should you do during and after earthquakes?
During earthquakes, drop to the floor; take cover under a
sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it
until the shaking stops.
The area near the exterior walls of a building is the most
dangerous place to be. Windows, facades and architectural details are often the
first parts of the building to collapse. To stay away from this danger zone,
stay inside if you are inside and outside if you are outside.
If you are...
Indoors:
Drop, cover, and hold on. If you are
not near a desk or table, drop to the floor against the interior wall and
protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid exterior walls, windows,
hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances, and kitchen
cabinets with heavy objects or glass.
In bed:
If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
You are less likely to be injured staying where you are. If you fall out of
bed, stay next to it.
In a high-rise:
Drop, cover, and hold on. Avoid
windows and other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if
sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate.
Outdoors:
Move to a clear area if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs,
buildings, vehicles, and other hazards.
Driving:
Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid
overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. Stay inside the
vehicle until the shaking is over. If a power line falls on the car, stay
inside until a trained person removes the wire.
In a stadium or
theater: Locate all alternate exits. Stay at your seat and protect your
head and neck with your arms. Don’t try to leave until the shaking is over.
Then walk out slowly watching for anything that could fall in the aftershocks.
If you can’t get out due to crowds, you may want to get to the center of the
field if you can.
Near the shore:
Drop, cover and hold on until the
shaking stops. Estimate how long the shaking lasts. If severe shaking lasts 20
seconds or more, immediately evacuate to high ground as a tsunami might have
been generated by the earthquake. Move inland 3 kilometers (2 miles) or to land
that is at least 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level immediately. Don't wait
for officials to issue a warning. Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid
traffic, debris and other hazards.
Below a dam:
Dams can fail during a major earthquake. Catastrophic failure is unlikely, but
if you live downstream from a dam, you should know flood-zone information and
have prepared an evacuation plan.
Evacuate uphill.
Next issue will highlight Step #6 in the readiness
process. Additional information,
including how-to instructions, is available at www.daretoprepare.org.
+ Go to Step #6
+ Go back to Step #4
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country Step 6
Step #6 to getting started is to “Check for Injuries and Damage”.
First take care of your own situation. Remember your
emergency plans. Aftershocks may cause additional damage or items to fall, so
get to a safe location. Take your disaster supplies kit.
If you are trapped by falling items or a collapse, protect
your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust. If you are bleeding, put pressure on the
wound and elevate the injured part. Signal for help with your emergency
whistle, a cell phone, or knock loudly on solid pieces of the building, three
times every few minutes. Rescue personnel will be listening for such sounds.
Once you are safe, help others and check for damage. Protect
yourself by wearing sturdy shoes and work gloves, to avoid injury from broken
glass and debris. Also wear a dust mask and eye protection.
Check for injuries:
Check
your first aid kit or the front pages of your telephone book for detailed
instructions on first aid measures.
If
a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Use clean gauze or
cloth, if available.
If
a person is not breathing, administer rescue breathing.
If
a person has no pulse, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Do
not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of
further injury.
Cover
injured persons with blankets or additional clothing to keep them warm.
Get
medical help for serious injuries.
Carefully
check children or others needing special assistance.
Check for damage:
FIRE.
If possible, put out small fires in your home or neighborhood immediately. Call
for help, but don’t wait for the fire department. They may be very busy.
GAS
LEAKS. Shut off the main gas valve only if you suspect a leak because of broken
pipes or the odor or sound of leaking natural gas. Don’t turn it back on
yourself — wait for the gas company to check for leaks. The phone book has
detailed information on this topic.
DAMAGED
ELECTRICAL WIRING. Shut off power at the main breaker switch if there is any
damage to your house wiring. Leave the power off until the damage is repaired.
BROKEN
LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES. Unplug these as they could start fires when electricity
is restored.
DOWNED
POWER LINES. If you see downed power lines, consider them energized and stay
well away from them. Keep others away from them also. Never touch downed power
lines or any objects in contact with them.
FALLEN
ITEMS. Beware of items tumbling off shelves when you open the doors of closets
and cupboards.
SPILLS.
Use extreme caution. Clean up any spilled medicines, drugs, or other non-toxic
substances. Potentially harmful materials such as bleach, lye, garden
chemicals, and gasoline or other petroleum products should be isolated or
covered with an absorbent such as dirt or cat litter. When in doubt, leave your
home.
DAMAGED
MASONRY. Stay away from chimneys and walls made of brick or block. They may be
weakened and could topple during aftershocks. Don’t use a fireplace with a
damaged chimney. It could start a fire or let poisonous gases into your home.
Next issue will highlight Step #7 in the readiness
process. Additional information,
including how-to instructions, is available at www.daretoprepare.org.
+ Go to Step #7
+ Go back to Step #5
Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country Step 7
Step #7 to getting started is to “When Safe, Continue to Follow Your
Disaster Plan”.
Once you have met you and your family's immediate needs
after an earthquake, continue to follow the plan you prepared in advance.
Aftershocks will continue to happen for several weeks after major earthquakes.
Some may be large enough to cause additional damage. Always be ready to drop,
cover, and hold on.
Your recovery period can take several weeks to months or
longer. Take the actions listed below to be safe and to minimize the long-term
effects of the earthquake on your life.
The first days after the earthquake…
Use the information you put together in your disaster plan
and the supplies you organized in your disaster kits. Until you are sure there
are no gas leaks, do not use open flames (lighters, matches, candles, or
grills) or operate any electrical or mechanical device that can create a spark
(light switches, generators, motor vehicles, etc.). Never use the following
indoors: camp stoves, gas lanterns or heaters, gas or charcoal grills, or gas
generators. These can release deadly carbon monoxide or be a fire hazard in
aftershocks.
Be in communication
Turn
on your portable or car radio for information and safety advisories.
Place
all phones back on their cradles.
Call
your out-of-area contact, tell them your status, then stay off the phone.
Emergency responders need to use the phone lines for life-saving
communications.
Check
on the condition of your neighbors.
Food and water
If
power is off, plan meals to use up refrigerated and frozen foods first. If you
keep the door closed, food in your freezer may be good for a couple of days.
Listen
to your radio for safety advisories.
If
your water is off or unsafe, you can drink from water heaters, melted ice
cubes, or canned vegetables. Avoid drinking water from swimming pools or spas.
Do
not eat or drink anything from open containers that are near shattered glass.
The first weeks after the earthquake…
This is a time of transition. Although aftershocks may
continue, you will now work toward getting your life, your home and family, and
your routines back in order. Emotional care and recovery are just as important
as healing physical injuries and rebuilding a home. Make sure your home is safe
to occupy and not in danger of collapse in aftershocks. If you were able to
remain in your home or return to it after a few days, you will have a variety
of tasks to accomplish:
If
your gas was turned off, you will need to arrange for the gas company to turn
it back on.
If
the electricity went off and then came back on, check your appliances and
electronic equipment for damage.
If
water lines broke, look for water damage.
Locate
and/or replace critical documents that may have been misplaced, damaged, or
destroyed.
Contact
your insurance agent or company right away to begin your claims process.
Contact
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to find out about financial
assistance (www.fema.gov/about/process/).
If you cannot stay in your home…
If your home is structurally unsafe or threatened by a fire
or other hazard, you need to evacuate. However, shelters may be overcrowded and
initially lack basic services, so do not leave home just because utilities are
out of service or your home and its contents have suffered moderate damage.
If you evacuate, tell a neighbor and your out-of-area
contact where you are going. As soon as possible, set up an alternative mailing
address with the post office. Take the following, if possible, when you
evacuate:
Personal
disaster supplies kits
Medications
and eyewear
Supply
of water, food, and snacks
Blanket/pillow/air
mattress or sleeping pad
Change
of clothing and a jacket
Towel
and washcloth
Diapers,
food, and other supplies for infants
A
few family pictures or other comfort items
Personal
identification and copies of household and health insurance information
Do not take to a shelter:
Pets
(Service animals for people with disabilities are allowed; take food for them.
Have a plan for your pets in advance.)
Large
quantities of unnecessary clothing or other personal items
Valuables
that might be lost, stolen, or take up needed space
Once a Presidential Declaration has been issued, FEMA may
activate the Individuals and Households Program. This program includes:
Home-repair
cash grants; the maximum Federal grant available (as of 2005) is $26,200
Housing
Assistance in the form of reimbursement for short-term lodging at a hotel
Rental
assistance for as long as 18 months in the form of cash payment
If
no other housing is available, FEMA may provide mobile homes or other temporary
housing
Additional information, including how-to instructions, is
available at www.daretoprepare.org.
+ Go back to Step #6
Recent Comments