How to Prepare for the Next Earthquake

With the big earthquakes in the news lately, you want to be prepared.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Keep some supplies, enough for 2-3 days ready in your car or in a sealed garbage can outside your home. Keep enough clothes, emergency blankets, and canned food with a can opener and water. Include something to wear on your feet if possible. Also include a first-aid kit and toilet paper. Include a couple flashlights and batteries. It’s always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car, for other reasons like floods, heavy snows and car break downs.

2. In September, many schools require the kids to have an emergency pack to store at the school. If this is a requirement, they’ll provide a list of items. Since this may be an annual preparation, take time to restock or rotate items in your home emergency supply.

3. Prepare to evacuate your pets or farm animals after the earthquake.

4. Arrange a place for the family to meet, if you cannot return to your home after the earthquake. If you have a relative outside of your area, arrange ahead of time to use their phone number as a contact point. Remember that the phone lines will be needed for emergencies, so delay getting on the phone immediately after the earthquake.

5. Learn ahead of time how to turn off gas, water and electricity at your home.

6. Have a cell phone for emergencies with you.

7. Keep copies of important documents in a safe deposit box. Take pictures of valuables and keep in your safe deposit box, update when you buy and sell items.

8. Prepare earthquake drills, like fire drills, for your family. Teach them to duck, cover and hold on, and take refuge under a heavy table if they are inside. Protect your head and eyes. If outdoors, find an open area, away from trees, buildings and power lines. Stay away from windows.

9. Secure heavy furniture to the wall as well as secure your hot water heater to the wall.

10. Keep emergency numbers programmed on your phones or keep a list in your wallet. Make sure your kids have these emergency numbers.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan ahead for earthquakes and be prepared.

[divaonline]

on 10/17/2009 Excellent information on how to prepare for the next earthquake! 5* and a rec