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:
- Water
- Canned Food
- Long-term canned food (#10 cans)
- Ready-to-eat meals or MREs
- Energy Food Bars
- Vitamins and supplements
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.