How to Be Prepared for an Earthquake
An earthquake is one of the most common and most destructive natural calamities that happen, claiming numerous lives and damaging structures and properties every year. It’s best to prepare and familiarize yourself with the proper earthquake drill, so you and your family will get through it safe and sound. Here are some earthquake tips you should keep in mind.
What You’ll Need:
Earthquake supplies
Home evacuation plan
Fireproof safe
Earthquake-Proof Your Home
Your home must be the safest place in case an earthquake strikes, so you have to make sure to get rid of all the hazards inside.
Fasten the shelves and other heavy decor onto the walls.
Hang mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or beds, or places where people might sit down.
Breakable items must be in closed drawers and cabinets with latches.
Heavy and large objects must be placed on the lower shelf of your cabinet or on the floor.
Brace overhead light fixtures (such as chandeliers or ceiling fans) so they won’t fall.
Repair deep cracks in the foundations or ceiling. Structural weakness like these will destroy your home quickly.
Gas connections and electrical wiring should be repaired as soon as possible, to prevent fire and electrocution hazards.
Store flammable items in latched closets.
Ready Your Supplies
An earthquake strikes, and you’re trapped inside your home. You’ll need a complete earthquake kit, so you’ll survive until the rescuers come to get you. Here are things you should pack.
First aid kit
Emergency water and food. Canned goods and bottled water are good.
Glow sticks. They’re safer than candles since they won’t cause fire.
Medicines. If someone from your family is has a certain illness, make sure to pack his or her medications, too.
Sturdy shoes and a change of clothes for every family member.
Can opener
Cash. Have emergency credit cards too, if possible.
Battery-operated radios
Flashlights with extra batteries
Mobile phone
Keep these supplies in a safe location inside your home, preferably in a locked box or a closet that’s easily accessible. Make sure every single family member knows where it is.
Educate The Family
Have an earthquake drill. Allot a certain day where everyone is present, and have a lesson on what to do when an earthquake comes. Educate them on the safest places inside the home, and possible actions they can take, in case you’re not with them. Teach them how to turn off the gas, electricity and water. Young children should know how to use and dial 911. You should also set a certain safe venue outside the home, where everyone can meet up.
Having a home evacuation plan is also a good thing. Prepare one, and walk through the entire house, instructing everyone how to move during the earthquake. You should have an emergency exit, and special equipment. Valves and utility switches must be marked, so they can be turned off, if possible.
Also, make sure everyone has a copy of important telephone and contact numbers. List down all the family members’ mobile phone numbers and emergency numbers (fire and paramedics). medical information, vehicle information, and your neighbors’ numbers will also be helpful.
Secure Your Valuables
Keeping yourself safe should be your top priority, but aside from that, you must also keep important documents and valuables out of harm’s way. Get a fire-proof safe and put all your important stuff in it, such as:
Ownership certificates of cars, boats and your home
Social security cards
Birth certificates
Wills
Insurance policies
List of all your household items (especially the valuable ones)
Bank account numbers
When The Earthquake Comes
Get under a sturdy desk, table or any safe surface and hold onto it tightly.
Avoid glass or window that can shatter or fall on you.
If you’re inside, stay inside.
If there is no desk or table nearby, cover your head and face with your arms, and stay in an inside corner of the house. Crouching or standing in a strongly supported doorway is also a good idea.
One last tip: Never panic. An earthquake can cause devastation and pain, but if you and your family are well-prepared for it, your chance of survival is very high. Just keep these reminders in mind.