PIO Kern County Fire Department
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying
potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the
|
|
BEFORE: Check for hazards in the home.
● Fasten shelves securely to walls.
● Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
● Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in
low, closed cabinets with latches.
● Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds,
couches, and anywhere people sit.
● Brace overhead light fixtures.
● Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
These are potential fire risks.
● Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and
bolting it to the floor.
● Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert
advice if there are signs of structural defects.
● Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely
in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify safe places in each room.
● Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
● Against an inside wall.
● Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors,
pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall
over.
Locate safe places outdoors.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical
lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake.
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and
water.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department
and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross
chapter for more information on earthquakes.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
● Flashlight and extra batteries
● Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
● First aid kit and manual
● Emergency food and water
● Non-electric can opener
● Essential medicines
● Cash and credit cards
● Sturdy shoes
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during an
earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work
and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the
disaster.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family
contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone
number of the contact person.
DURING: If indoors:
● Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside
wall and hold on.
● Stay inside.
● The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an
earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on
you.
If outdoors:
● Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and
utility wires.
● Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
If in a moving vehicle:
● Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.
● Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or
utility wires.
● Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid
bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
Pets after an Earthquake
● The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an
earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become
aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place
them in a fenced yard.
● Pets may not be allowed into shelters for health and space
reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that includes a
3-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.
AFTER: Be prepared for aftershocks.
Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional
damage and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in
the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
Help injured or trapped persons.
Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons
unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest
emergency information.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special
assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it
is safe.
● Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
● Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other
flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes
from other chemicals.
● Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.
● Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage.
Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME Check for gas leaks--If you
smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly
leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you
can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the
gas for any reason, remember, it must be turned back on by a
professional.
Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or
frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity
at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to
get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for
advice.
Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines
are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes
are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the
tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
MITIGATION - Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an
emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the
damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in preventive
mitigation steps now such as repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings
and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling and
following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact
of earthquakes in the future. For more information on mitigation,
contact your local emergency management office.
Comments
No comments posted.