Category: Earthquake Preparedness

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Earthquake Preparedness Fire Preparedness/Safety Humor

Emergency Fun Slide?

China’s emergency fun slide.

An emergency fun slide? Asia is prone, unfortunately to a variety of natural disasters, from typhoons to earthquakes. To speed up building evacuation one entrepreneur came up with the idea of using a 5 story slide. Supposedly, it can take you down 5 stories in 15 seconds. In this case, seeing is not necessarily believing. The decidedly rickety contraption doesn’t include banked turns, which means you’d be likely to going flying into the stairwell. It also means you have to brake at each turn, creating the potential for massive jam ups and crashes. The slide looks fun, but not necessarily safe. Oh, it also looks like walking might be quicker. Just saying.

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Disaster Kits Earthquake Preparedness Personal Preparedness Personal Stories Preparedness Planning Preparedness tips

Living in Earthquake Country – Why We All Need to be Better Prepared

By Keith Erwood

January 3, 2013

Six and a half years ago I moved to California from New York City. Since that time I have experienced several earthquakes. Let me just say for a New Yorker they were interesting to say the least, and certainly got my attention. These “small” 4.0 – 4.4 earthquakes to Californians are just minor little rumblings that make for interesting conversations and really nothing more. Sometimes, they even provide for a good laugh when seeing a newly transplanted East Coaster such as myself experiencing it for the first time. Such an event happened with me and my wife who is a CA native.

During my lifetime in NYC I experienced two (that I am aware of) small earthquakes of about 2.0 – barely felt by most. As a new Californian it was interesting to me, as it was for many on the West Coast to see the reactions to the recent East Cost Earthquake. One that caused little damage, but contributed to workforce disruptions in many areas as people fled into the streets.

Now as I sit here today I am pondering a number of things about earthquakes and preparedness. The first is that I live in so called “Earthquake Country” here in the Bay Area, or is that the entire State of CA? Then again, it could be that “Earthquake Country” is the entire West Coast. The truth is we all live in Earthquake Country. Let me explain.

There is not a single State in the U.S. that has never had or experienced an earthquake. Nor is there a State that can never have an earthquake again. True, some areas are less impacted by these earthquakes. Take my former home State of New York for example. Though NYC has had very few earthquakes, NYS has several every day. These earthquakes tend to occur in areas that are either unpopulated or have very small populations.

Then we have the New Madrid fault that is perhaps the one fault that can impact the largest portion of the U.S. if a significant earthquake were to occur in the region. In fact if a significant earthquake were to occur in this region the impact could be more widespread and damaging than a major earthquake in a place like the San Francisco Bay Area. Why?  Because cities such as St. Louis, Memphis, Nashville that are in the region do not have the same building standards to withstand such an impact.

Another surprising thing I learned is that not everyone who lives out here in CA is really prepared for when the “Big One” hits. Actually in reality, very few are truly prepared and myths about CA and earthquakes impact disaster preparedness even here. Let me provide an example for you how one of these myths can cause improper preparedness.

Myth: We live in Sunny California, where it never rains and is always warm and sunny. Well, this could not be further from the truth. Sure – it’s plenty warm and sunny in the summer months, especially where I live but it does get cold. Just last night it was in the low temperature was in the high 20’s and the high’s have lately been in the low 50’s or high 40’s. Now, this is not exactly in the teens, or 20 below zero like it can get in some areas of the country but it is below freezing and feels cold. If you were without a coat, jacket, blanket or other warm gear or heat source in your preparedness or earthquake kit you could be in trouble during the colder months.

In fact during the summer months when it gets very hot during the day the, it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop about 30 degrees at night. A change in temperatures such as this can actually cause a person to suffer from hypothermia even during the summer. Another part of this myth is that it doesn’t rain. In fact I even had someone tell me once, sure we have earthquakes, but at least when it does happen it will be dry since we hardly get rain.

To this I say not so fast. In fact as I write this, we are in the rainy season where it is not uncommon for it to rain for long periods of time. In fact last year, I think it rained everyday for a month straight. Add in the cold, wind, and an earthquake and the impact could be much more severe as people are exposed to the elements. If this happened certainly more people would succumb to the weather exposure than the actual earthquake.

In closing I ask that you reevaluate how you prepare for likely calamities in your home community – add more or additional supplies to keep you warm and dry. Consider the impact of a worse case disaster in terrible weather. And I want to remind you that we all live in earthquake country, not just those of us living on the West Coast in Sunny CA.

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Earthquake Preparedness General Preparedness Hurricane Preparedness Preparedness Planning Tornado Preparedness

Great New Product – The Ascella Bulb

As the founder of 1800prepare, LLC I am often presented with new products that people think would be perfect for the preparedness market. I also find new products on my own on the web or at trade events that I think would be great additions to our product line. Normally I get a sample of the product to see how it actually works and what makes it different from other items we already carry. In most cases the products are very similar to what we already carry. It isn’t that often that we are introduced to a product that really catches our interest.

Well….we have just recently added a new product to our site that I am really excited about. The Ascella Bulb is a very unique item that I think should be in every home and office. Quite simply…it is a light bulb that will automatically come on during a power outage and also can be removed from the socket and used as a flashlight. Power outages are something everyone has to deal with. They occur in every community and can be caused by a number of factors. While there are some things we can’t change during a power outage….remaining in the dark isn’t one of them. Whether it is just staying in your home or office or being forced to evacuate….not being able to see adds a level of stress to any situation. This can be magnified if there are children present. Currently there are a number of options we have available to deal with a power outage. We can use regular flashlight, candles, lanterns or generators if available. The Ascella bulb presents a new option that is simple to implement and use.

Simply put an Ascella bulb into any normal socket instead of your regular bulb. The bulb will act just like a regular bulb but that’s where the similarities stop. It only draws 5 watts of electricity compared to an equivalent 30 watt incandescent bulb. While the bulb is in the socket…it charges itself. If at any time the power goes out the bulb will stay illuminated for an average of 3 hours. In addition, if you need to evacuate or just simply need a flashlight you can unscrew the bulb from the socket, extend the base and now the bulb turns itself into a flashlight. You don’t need to worry about being in the dark anymore and don’t have to worry about where your flashlights are and if they have batteries. The Ascella bulb covers it all for you.

This is a very simple to use item that you should consider adding to your home. It also is great for each office at your business as it adds a level of safety and security for your employees. If you have a student going off to college….you might want to consider sending them up to school with one as well.

Please let us know your thoughts about the Ascella bulb and let your friends and colleagues know about it.

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Disaster Kits Earthquake Preparedness Fire Preparedness/Safety First Aid Flood Preparedness Food and Water General Preparedness Hurricane Preparedness Personal Preparedness Preparedness Planning Preparedness tips Survival Kits Tornado Preparedness

Preparedness Procrastination

Every year we see different types of disasters happen across the United States and the rest of the world. Earthquake, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Fires, Acts of Terror and Blackouts just to name a few. We are also constantly reminded of the message: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed. So the question is…If disasters happen and we know the basic things we can do to be better prepared…why do most people wait until the last minute? Why are there massive lines at retail stores for food, water, flashlights, batteries and other types of survival gear?

As the owner of a survival kit and preparedness supply company…I get panicked calls and email asking if people can pick up kits immediately or if I can ship overnight. You would like that at some point people would all stop procrastinating and start to better prepare. If every day or week you take one simple step to being better prepared…in very little time…you would find yourself much better off than where you are  today. Everything doesn’t have to be done now and it certainly isn’t about panic. Just start…take action. I believe that one you do…you will realize that it isn’t much work and you will fell better knowing you have taken steps to make yourself and your family safer. Oh..and by the way….if you do take the first step…while you’re at it…encourage a family member or friend to do the same.

Here are some simple suggestions:

*Learn what sort of emergencies/disasters happen in your area. Learn what they do and how they can affect you. Will they cause blackouts, high winds, etc.

*Check what supplies you have in house and get some simple items every time you are out shopping: flashlights, batteries, emergency food that won’t spoil, water.

*Take to your family about what you would do “if” something happened. Where would you go? What might happen? Where the supplies are. How you would communicate.

*Learn basic first aid and CPR. It can come in happen at anytime and not just during major events

Please let us know if you have other steps you recommend. The more we share and encourage others…the better off we will all be.

Be well and stay safe,

Paul

1800prepare.com

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Earthquake Preparedness

Scientists Say California Mega-Quake Imminent

Like a steaming kettle with the top on, pressure is building beneath the surface of California that could unleash a monster earthquake at any time. That’s according to a new study from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Geologists say Southern California is long overdue for a huge earthquake that could unleash widespread damage.

It all comes down to the Salton Sea, which lies to the east of San Diego. The Salton Sea lies directly on the San Andreas Fault and covers more than 350 square miles.

A big earthquake has hit the lake bed about every 180 years. But when officials started damming the Colorado River to reduce floods downstream (including in the Salton Sea), the moderate earthquakes stopped for the Salton.

Sounds like a good thing, right? Not necessarily. Seismologists think the damming stopped moderate stress-relieving earthquakes on the Salton. Now, they fear the pressure is building and the area could be as many as 100 years overdue for a mega-quake quake, measuring 7.5 or larger.

This sobering news comes just as a new poll is released that details Californians fears about earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Natural Disaster Californians Fear Most

Earthquake 57%
Wildfire 23%
Tsunami/Tidal Wave 9%
Flood/Mudslide 5%
Other/No Opinion 6%

The findings were published in the scientific journal “Nature Geoscience.”

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This article was originally posted on Weather.com and written by Becky Kellogg. The original article can be found here: http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/california-quake-study_2011-06-27

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Earthquake Preparedness Food and Water General Preparedness Uncategorized

Tsunami

Tsunami

The threat of Tsunami is something we cover in detail in our preparedness manual “Disaster Prep 101” (see http://www.1800prepare.com/products/Disaster-Prep-101-.html) and because of today’s news, we see it as an important topic to include here.

Though some might think this is how-to information coming after the event, this isn’t necessarily the case. One thing to keep in mind is that when one Pacific Rim country experiences an earthquake, volcano, or seismic activity, that other areas along the rim will have an event in the very near future.

So, keep up with your earthquake preparedness measures, and below we’ll revisit what you should do in preparation for a Tsunami when the WAVES come rolling ashore.

Warnings – Does your area have official Tsunami warnings? Would you recognize natural signs?
Altitude – Where would you go in a Tsunami? Tall building? High ground?
Vehicle – How will you get to high ground? Is your evacuation vehicle ready to go?
Evacuation to Elevation – How ready are you for an evacuation scenario in general?
Safety & Secondaries – Is the primary emergency the only emergency that’s going to happen?

Warnings
1. In the past several years, especially since the 2004 Indonesian earthquake and resulting Tsunami that hit Thailand, warning systems including seismic sensors, Tsunami detecting buoys, and communication and warning systems have been improved dramatically. If you live (or are visiting) an area at risk for Tsunamis, have you checked to learn about the official warning system? Who gives it? Will they give you any instruction? What does the siren sound like?

2. In some instances an incoming Tsunami will draw water away from a beach as it heads toward shore. In fact, in 2004, an Australian Life Guard working in Phuckett, Thailand knew what it meant for the tide to go out farther than normal and he managed to clear his beach and get guests to safety. Keep an eye on the tide, but don’t go to the beach to look at it. Stay away if a Tsunami Watch (and especially a Warning) is given.

Altitude
1. One term you’ll hear is “vertical evacuation.” This means go up, either to upper floors in a strong building, or to high ground.

2. Where is the destination you’d go in a particular area? One habit to get into, regardless of the emergency or where you might be, is to look around for emergency warnings, gear, shelter, supplies, and evacuation destinations.

3. Look around your area and remember which buildings are more substantial. Some may actually have Tsunami info posted telling visitors that in event of a Tsunami they are either to head to upper floors (but NEVER use the stairs!) or to vacate the building in favor of a different location.

Vehicle
1. In any evacuation scenario you may have to rely on your primary vehicle to get you out of harms’ way. Is yours ready? Do you always have your keys on you? Do you keep the tank full at all times?

2. Though we mention your vehicle here, we’ll revisit the fact that your evacuation destination might well be an upper floor of the building you’re in. Your decision on whether to go to an upper floor or higher ground location should be dictated by A) Time – how long before the first wave hits and how much time you might need to get to another location, B) Where you’ll be the safest, C) Road conditions and current traffic since you don’t want to be sitting unprotected in gridlock traffic, D) Whether or not you need to provide safety to others, and E) Where are your safety supplies and gear?

3. With Tsunami’s getting in your vehicle as early as possible after a watch or warning is crucial. The faster you evacuate the area (safely) the more you help others by being out of the way when the less prepared try to get to safety.

Evacuation to Elevation
1. As you contemplate heading to upper floors or higher ground (now, while we’re discussing this academically and it’s not an actual emergency), remember that this scenario is an evacuation that is coupled somewhat with shelter-in-place reactions. Therefore, you want to be equipped and ready for both. So… where’s your kit? What does it contain? Will it help you get out of harm’s way as well as sustain you once you get where you’re going? Do you keep a kit at home, at work, or in the car? Maybe you have items at all three locations?

2. Since time is one of our most valuable assets in any emergency, what do you have in place that will help you save time in this scenario? We mentioned keeping your car gassed and ready (sitting in line at a gas station is not a model of an efficient evacuation), and we just mentioned your gear. How about knowledge? Do you know where you might go? Do you have hardcopy maps in case the smart phone isn’t working or the cell towers are down? Do you have alternate ways to communicate with loved ones if primary communication methods don’t work?

Safety & Secondaries
1. Misery loves company, so one of the key points to keep in mind is that a major emergency is not going to be the only emergency. You might have made it under a table in time in the earthquake, but what about the dam up the river that was cracked and is about to break? What if there’s a panicked evacuation and you or a family member are injured? How ready are you for that? Do you have your first aid gear? Are you trained to use it?

2. Need a list of things to keep in mind? Tsunamis don’t just happen, they’re usually triggered by earthquakes. So, when the earthquake hits are you going to automatically think “Tsunami?” How about fire? Fire is all too common an occurrence after destructive events – even floods. And floods? What if the dam breaks after an earthquake? Do you know how many dams there are in the US alone?

3. The main point here is to be ready for “the other shoe to drop.” Maintain your composure in the first emergency by being prepared so that when the second emergency crops up you’re able to handle that as well.

Though just a small, small section of Disaster Prep 101, we wanted to pass this along to make you think of two things. One, disasters are survivable if you’re prepared. Two, there is so much more to know with Tsunami preparedness (or any disaster) than an academic discussion of how the event occurs – which is pretty much all we’ll get from the news channels.

Besides, it’s not the job of the media to make us prepare. It’s our job since the safety and security of our own family rests squarely on our own shoulders.

How ready are you? Did the news today give you a good wake-up call?

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Charities/Groups we support Earthquake Preparedness Preparedness Planning Preparedness tips

Today is The Great California Shakeout

At 10:21 a.m. today….millions of Californians will participate in the world’s largest earthquake preparedness drill. Its not too late to register. Just visit www.shakeout.org and sign yourself and/or your organization up.

Preparing for possible emergencies is one of the best things you can do. By participating in drills like these and discussing with your family and friends you with be better prepared should a real event occur. You should also consider getting supplies or survival kits so you have some of the items you may need.

The drill will only take a few minutes out of your day, will be fun and will be something that could save your life down the road. At 1-800-PREPARE.com we strongly encourage you to sign and and participate.

GREAT JOB….SHAKEOUT TEAM!!!

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Earthquake Preparedness General Preparedness Personal Preparedness Preparedness Planning

The SHAKEOUT

At this year FLASH conference I had the pleasure of meeting one of the leaders behind The Great California Shakeout. This is an unbelievable event that continues to grow and build momentum. It main goal is to help residents of California be better prepared for a potential earthquake. The life saving information that the SHAKEOUT shares and the massive participation event scheduled for Oct. 21st is something every Californian should be aware of…and participate in. One of the greatest keys to better preparedness is to learn about what to do and practice how to do it. It will make you much more ready should the unthinkable happen.

Here is some more information on the Shakeout.

On October 21 at 10:21 a.m., businesses, non-profits, schools, cities, individuals, and many others will hold Drop, Cover and Hold On drills throughout the state. Many will also practice other aspects of their disaster plans. More than 6.9 million Californians participated in 2009, practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On and other aspects of family, school, and organizational emergency plans. For more information and to register please visit http://www.shakeout.org.

If you do register to participate we encourage you to also consider getting a survival kit or other earthquake preparedness items. Having the right survival gear or kit on hand is one very important aspect of better preparedness. You can visit us at 1-800-PREPARE begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-PREPARE      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.com to find a large selection of kits to meet your needs. If you do decide to make a purchase…please use coupon code “shakeout” for 10% off your order.

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Earthquake Preparedness

Some Tips on how Senior Citizens Can Prepare for Earthquakes

With so many earthquakes happening across the world, you may be thinking about your own preparations for one where you live. As a senior citizen, you have to take more steps than others to gather the supplies you need in advance and to take cover during the earthquake.

Plan to Take Cover

During an earthquake you may have to take cover under sturdy furniture. A work desk or table will do, and picking one out ahead of time is important. You don’t want to have to worry about figuring it all out when an earthquake happens. Do a “take cover” drill once a month, so that going to the desk of choice becomes a habit, and doing a drill makes your plan easier to remember. It will also give you a chance to remove things that are blocking your way or would be dangerous to have nearby during an earthquake. For example, if the desk is located near a shelf that has heavy objects, you’ll have to remove those objects to a lower shelf away from the desk. During an earthquake, those could fall on you and cause serious injuries.

Anchor Equipment

Heavy objects on high shelves are not the only things to worry about in an earthquake. Some of the special equipment you use on a daily basis, such as oxygen tanks and other life support equipment need to be anchored to the wall or floor. You will avoid the risk of your equipment crashing into you or falling on you when the ground shakes.

Extra Walking Aids

If you need assistance walking, it’s important to buy and store extra canes, walkers or other walking aids around your home. An earthquake may cause you to stay in one part of your home for a while, and it would be good to be able to move around when it’s safe. If you couldn’t get to your walking aid in time, you could be stuck.

Keep an Emergency Kit Where You’ll Take Cover

You’ll need a well stocked emergency kit to help you survive an earthquake. It should include enough food and water, medical and first aid supplies including prescription drugs, eyeglasses and hearing aids and other things you’ll need to stay alive and well for at least three days. If an earthquake happens, your kit will already be in the place you plan to take cover. You won’t have to worry about finding it first.

Communications

A pre-made commercial emergency kit will include an AM/FM radio. You’ll need one to find out the status of the earthquake in your area. In addition to a radio, phone lines may be down. Planning a chain of communications ahead of time will help friends, family and others know that you are safe or need help. Talk with a neighbor that you trust to check in with you after an emergency. Share that person’s cell phone and land line numbers with family in case there’s an opportunity to communicate using a phone. Have one or two other neighbors lined up to do the same. If one person is unable to come to your aid, at least you’ll have a backup or two.

Any area can be hit by an earthquake. Don’t ignore preparations just because you believe you live in an area that is not high risk. Getting some basic preparedness supplies, an earthquake preparedness kit and learning a little bit about what to do will pay dividends later.

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Earthquake Preparedness

Some Guidelines for Earthquake Readiness

Earthquake readiness is crucial if you live in populated areas because they can cause damage to your property, and bodily injuries. Some earthquakes have been severe enough to  cause a significant amount of deaths. Every region is at risk, and there you need to know what to do to be prepared:

Some things to consider.

Anchor Furniture and Large Objects

Keeping things pinned down is important so that furniture and other large and heavy objects don’t roll around in the room or fall causing injury. Use fastens and braces to secure items to walls on or on floors. Bolt down heavy appliances such as your refrigerator or water heater. Anchor large fixtures on the ceilings, such as lights. You can prepare in advance by anchoring furniture and large objects ahead of any earthquakes. You won’t get any warnings of earthquakes, and therefore it’s important to do the work now.

Practice Readiness Drills

Do you and your family know what do in an earthquake? These happen so suddenly, that you won’t have time to yell instructions. Prepare for earthquakes now by practicing what to do when one strikes. Your drill should include:

  • What rooms to run to
  • How to hide under a table that’s sturdy
  • Dropping to the ground, rolling against an inside wall and crouching in the corner, and covering your body
  • A warning to stay inside until it’s over

Don’t just know what to do. Schedule time quarterly or monthly to practice what you’ll do if there’s an earthquake.

Store Food and Water

It may take a while for things to return to normal after a severe earthquake. You don’t want to be stuck waiting with food and water. Store what you need ahead of time to last you two or more weeks after an earthquake. This includes:

It may become necessary to stay home during the aftermath of the earthquake, and therefore store extra food and water for you and your family, and even neighbors. Consider a ready made earthquake preparedness kit.

Shut off Gas and Water

You’ll need a quick and easy way to shut off your water and gas immediately after the earthquake.  Consider buying an emergency gas and water shut-off tool that you can use to cut off your utilities. You can fit one in your emergency survival kit, because they’re light enough break down into pieces.

Learn CPR

Earthquakes can cause so much injury that it’s important to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as part of earthquake readiness. You can help save the lives of your family members and neighbors while awaiting (or getting to) medical help. You should also learn basic first-aid techniques. Check your local newspapers for announcements of free or low-cost classes to take in the near future. You can use your knowledge to prepare for all disasters you might find yourself in, including earthquakes.

Follow these guidelines for earthquake readiness, and you won’t get caught off guard. Your family can remain safe, and have the right supplies (and know-how) while you wait for things to return to normal.