Like pretty much everybody else here in California, I scoffed at yesterday’s east coast earthquake. “Pshaw! 5.8?!? That’s like a truck driving by!” We talk a good game, like it’s no big deal. We have to because we live with the reality that “the Big One” could strike at any moment. But, at least according to this article, most Californians haven’t even really experienced a major quake. That is certainly true for me. I was away at science camp for the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. Didn’t feel a thing. I guess I experienced the aftermath when I got home a day or two later, but no actual shaking.
This got me to thinking, how prepared are we for an earthquake? The answer is, not really at all. Steve and I don’t have any water or food put aside for an emergency right now. This is not a good situation, so I decided to do a little research into what we need to get ourselves ready.
Experts say you should be able to fend for yourself for at least 72 hours after a disaster, not counting on utilities and emergency services. There are three main categories of things you need to do to get ready for such a scenario.
Make a plan:
- have at least two escape routes to exit your home
- keep a pair of shoes and a flashlight under each bed in case you need to evacuate at night
- have two designated meeting areas, one near the house and one within walking distance in case the neighborhood is evacuated
- have an out-of-state emergency contact to let family/friends know your status (long distance lines are usually fixed faster than local lines)
- know the location of the gas main and other utilities and know how to turn them off
Make your home safe:
- have fire extinguishers on each level of your home and know how to use them
- make sure your smoke detectors (and as of July 1, 2011, CO detectors) are functioning and change the batteries every 6 months
- make sure all heavy furniture, such as bookcases, hutches, or media centers, is properly secured to walls
- don’t hang mirrors or heavy pictures/artwork above beds or sofas where they can fall on people; make sure all wall hangings are properly secured with a closed hook
- secure books and knick-knacks on shelving with non-skid surface material or putty; store heavy items on low shelves
- be sure your house number is visible from the street so emergency services can find you
Make disaster kits:
- water (1 gallon per person, per day) and non-perishable food items; can opener; plates, utensils, and cups
- first aid kit
- flashlight or battery operated lantern and extra batteries
- battery operated radio and extra batteries
- copies of important documents and phone numbers
- warm clothes/rain gear/hats
- blankets
- work gloves
- dust mask
- liquid bleach and an eye dropper (for water purification and sanitation)
- hygiene items (toilet paper, paper towels, moist towelettes, feminine products, hand sanitizer, soap, etc.)
- heavy duty plastic bags and a bucket (for waste and sanitation)
- emergency cash (including small bills and change)
In addition to the general household emergency kit, each person should have a “go bag” containing similar stuff in smaller quantities in case they need to get out of the area fast. You might consider keeping it in the trunk of your car, so you’ll have it if a disaster happens when you are not at home. Or, Steve, for example, should probably keep one at work. Since he works in the city, and a big quake would probably shut down the Bay Bridge and BART across the bay, he might not be able to get home right away.
Here are some online resources that I found helpful in learning how to prepare for an earthquake:
- Ready America – includes a printable Comprehensive Family Emergency Plan
- 72hours.org – readiness site from the City and County of San Francisco
- Red Cross Earthquake Safety Checklist – what to do before, during, and after a quake
- Be Red Cross Ready – general guidelines about plans and kits
I’m not sure any amount of preparation can truly make anyone ready for a major earthquake or other natural disaster, but with a plan and enough supplies to get through at least a few days, there will be a lot less to think (or worry) about during a very stressful time. I hope this post inspires you to check out your own situation and make sure that you are prepared for emergencies too.
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