Episode # 407  "Drop, Cover, And Hold On – Being Prepared For Earthquakes"

Earthquakes are natural disasters that can strike with little to no warning, causing significant damage and posing a serious threat to life and property.
Understanding how to respond when an earthquake occurs is crucial for ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones.

Drop, Cover, And Hold On – Being Prepared For Earthquakes

Know the signs of an earthquake.
   You may hear a roaring or rumbling sound that gradually gets louder or feel a rolling sensation that starts out gently   

   and, within a second or two, grows violent.
  Or you may first be jarred by a violent jolt, feel shaking and find it difficult to stand up or move from one room to

   another.
 
Understanding the Risk
This depends greatly where you are.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides maps that will show the most earthquake prone areas.
 
 Create an Emergency Plan
          Pre-earthquake planning
          After earthquake check list
          Emergency contact list
          Important papers  
 
 Create a safety plan
 
Learn the safe spots.
Most deaths and injuries are caused by collapsing building materials and heavy falling objects,such as bookcases, cabinets, and heating units.
         
This plan should include safe spots in each room, under sturdy furniture such as heavy tables, or against an interior wall.
Avoid doorways, and they are not really much stronger than the walls.
If you are in bed, get underneath your covers with a pillow over your head.
 
Build an Emergency Kit  
Enough food and water for each family member for at least three days, first aid kit with essential medications,
Flashlight, batteries, portable radio, and
Important documents
Don't forget supplies for pets, if applicable.
 
 Assemble a tool kit for your home.
 Some additional items that may help after an earthquake include the following:
    An ax
    A shovel
    A broom
    A rope for towing or rescue
    Sturdy shoes that can provide protection from broken glass, nails, and other debris
    Gloves (heavy and durable for cleaning up debris)
    Fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry chemical type)
              (Which everyone should already have)
    A whistle or other signaling device carried in your purse or backpack, or a small canned air horn.
 
 
Secure hazards in your home.
 Move heavy mirrors and pictures hanging above beds, chairs, and other places where you sit or sleep.
 To keep items from falling off open shelves:
    Attach a wooden or metal guardrail to each shelf
        You can also use fishing line for a less visible alternative
        Use Velcro®-type fastenings or museum putty to secure some items to their shelves
    Place heavy or large objects on lower shelves.
 
    Unanchored bookcases, furniture that can topple,
        Secure them, where possible, with “L” brackets, corner brackets, aluminum molding, or eyebolts.
       
Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold on
         DROP down onto your hands and knees immediately.
        protects you from falling but still allows you to move if necessary.
    
        COVER your head and neck
          Or your entire body underneath a sturdy table or desk
    
    If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you,
    
    Stay clear of windows or glass that could shatter or objects that could fall on you.
    
    HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops
        If you're outdoors, move to a clear area if you can safely do so.
        Avoid buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. If you're driving, pull over to a safe spot, stay in the vehicle, and turn on the radio for updates.
 
Create an evacuation plan.
        May need to evacuate a damaged area afterward
        discuss a home evacuation plan.
         
        Plan a second way to exit from each room or area, if possible.
                 If you need special equipment, such as a rope ladder, have it preinstalled and mark where it is located.
                 Know where your emergency supply kit and fire extinguishers are located.
                 Know where the utility switches or valves are located so that they can be turned off, if possible.
         
        Make sure you and your children also understand the school’s emergency procedures for disasters. This will help you coordinate where, when, and how to reunite with your children after an earthquake.
         
Designate a location for your family’s emergency outdoor meeting place.
          End of driveway, mailbox, or neighbor’s porch
 
 After Earthquake Actions
 
Inspect and secure your home’s structure.
    Examine the structural safety of your house.
    Check your chimney or roof for loose tiles and bricks that may have fallen
    
    Protect yourself from falling chimney bricks that might penetrate the roof, by reinforcing the ceiling immediately surrounding the chimney with 3/4-inch plywood
             
Shut off utilities
    Gas, electricity, and water, at the main switches or valves
    Teach all family members how and when to shut off utilities
 
 Communication is key after an earthquake.
     Text messages can often get through even when phone lines are busy
    
    Let your loved ones know you're safe
    
    Check on your neighbors,   
        especially those who may require special assistance 
       
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