Being Prepared for an Earthquake

While California has been the state most prone to serious earthquakes in recent years, there are many other fault zones in other areas of the United States. For example, geologists and seismologists have predicted a 97 percent chance of a major earthquake in the New Madrid seismic zone of the central United States (including Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky) between now and the year 2035. While earthquakes with the power of the one that hit the greater Los Angeles area in January 1994 are fairly rare, less severe earthquakes can interrupt your normal living patterns and cause substantial injury. Earthquake Alarm

During a major earthquake, you may hear a roaring or rumbling sound that gradually grows louder. You may 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. A second or two later, you may feel shaking and find it difficult to stand up or move from one room to another. The real key to surviving an earthquake and reducing your risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if it happens. Practice Drills By planning and practicing what to do if an earthquake strikes, you and your family can learn to react correctly and automatically when the shaking begins. During an earthquake, most deaths and injuries are caused by collapsing building materials and heavy falling objects, such as bookcases, cabinets, and heating units. Learn the safe spots in each room of your home. If you have children, get the entire family to practice going to these locations. Participating in an earthquake drill will help children understand what to do in case you are not with them during an earthquake. Make sure you and your child also understand the school's emergency procedures for disasters. This will help you coordinate where, when, and how to reunite with your child after an earthquake. During your earthquake drill: Get under a sturdy table or desk and hold on to it. If you're not near a table or desk, cover your face and head with your arms; and stand or crouch in a strongly supported doorway OR . . . brace yourself in an inside corner of the house or building. Stay clear of windows or glass that could shatter or objects that could fall on you. Remember: If inside, stay inside. Many people are injured at entrances of buildings by falling debris.

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Evacuation Plans

• Take a few minutes with your family to discuss a home evacuation plan. Sketch a floor plan of your home; walk through each room and discuss evacuation details.
• Plan a second way to exit from each room or area, if possible. If you need special equipment, such as a rope ladder, mark where it is located.
• Mark where your emergency food, water, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers are located.
• Mark where the utility switches or valves are located so that they can be turned off, if possible.
• Indicate the location of your family's emergency outdoor meeting place.

Establish Priorities

• important items to be hand-carried by you
• other items, in order of importance to you and your family
• items to be removed by car or truck if one is available
• things to do if time permits, such as locking doors and windows, turning off the utilities, etc.

Write Down Important Information

Make a list of important information and put it in a secure location. Include on your list:

• important telephone numbers, such as police, fire, paramedics, and medical centers
• the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your insurance agents, including policy types and numbers
• the telephone numbers of the electric, gas, and water companies
• the names and telephone numbers of neighbors
• the name and telephone number of your landlord or property manager
• important medical information, such as allergies, regular medications, etc.
• the vehicle identification number, year, model, and license number of your automobile, boat, RV, etc.
• your bank's or credit union's telephone number, account types, and numbers
• radio and television broadcast stations to tune to for emergency broadcast information

Gather and Store Important Documents in a Fire-Proof Safe

• Birth certificates
• Ownership certificates (automobiles, boats, etc.)
• Social Security cards
• Insurance policies
• Wills
• Household inventory, including:
  • list of contents
  • photographs of contents of every room
  • photographs of items of high value, such as jewelry, paintings, collectors' items

Emergency Supplies for Earthquake Preparedness

Stock up now on emergency supplies that can be used after an earthquake. These supplies should include a first aid kit, survival kits for the home, automobile, and workplace, and emergency water and food. Store enough supplies to last at least 3 days. Quakehold! 70280 Grab-'n-Go Emergency Kit, 2-Person, 3-Day Backpack 4 Person Survival Kit Deluxe Perfect Earthquake, Evacuation, Emergency Disaster Preparedness 72 Hour Kits for Home, Work or Auto: 4 Person Quakehold! 3000 The Survival Kit First Aid Kit Store your first aid supplies in a tool box or fishing tackle box so they will be easy to carry and protected from water. Inspect your kit regularly and keep it freshly stocked. NOTE: Important medical information and most prescriptions can be stored in the refrigerator, which also provides excellent protection from fires.

Drugs/Medications

• Hydrogen peroxide to wash and disinfect wounds
• Antibiotic ointment
• Individually wrapped alcohol swabs
• Aspirin and non-aspirin tablets
• Prescriptions and any long-term medications (keep these current)
• Diarrhea medicine
• Eye drops

Dressings

• Bandage strips
• Ace bandages
• Rolled gauze
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Adhesive tape roll

Other First Aid Supplies

• First aid book
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Bar soap
• Tissues
• Sunscreen
• Paper cups
• Pocket knife
• Small plastic bags
• Safety pins
• Needle and thread
• Instant cold packs for sprains
• Sanitary napkins
• Splinting materials

Survival Kit for Your Home

Assemble a survival kit for your home with the following items:

Tools and supplies

• ax, shovel, broom
• screwdriver, pliers, hammer, adjustable wrench
• rope for towing or rescue
• plastic sheeting and tape

Items for safety and comfort

• sturdy shoes that can provide protection from broken glass, nails, and other debris
• gloves (heavy and durable for cleaning up debris)
• candles
• waterproof matches
• change of clothing
• knife
• garden hose (for siphoning and firefighting)
• tent
• recreational supplies for children and adults
• blankets or sleeping bags
• portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• essential medications and eyeglasses
• fire extinguisher -- multipurpose, dry chemical type
• food and water for pets
• toilet tissue
• cash

Survival Kit for Your Automobile

Assemble a survival kit for your automobile with the following items. Storing some of these supplies in a small bag or backpack will make them more convenient to carry if you need to walk.

• Blankets
• Bottled water
• Change of clothes
• Coins for telephone calls
• Fire extinguisher -- multipurpose, dry chemical type
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency signal device (light sticks, battery-type flasher, reflector, etc.)
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Food (nonperishable -- nutrition bars, trail mix, etc.)
• Gloves
• Local map and compass
• Rope for towing, rescue, etc.
• Paper and pencils
• Premoistened towelettes
• Prescription medicines
• Battery-operated radio with fresh batteries
• Small mirror for signaling
• Toilet tissue
• Tools (pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, etc.)
• Whistle for signaling
• Jumper cables
• Duct tape

Survival Kit for Your Workplace

Assemble a survival kit for the workplace with the following supplies:

• Food (nonperishable -- nutrition bars, trail mix, etc.)
• Bottled water
• Jacket or sweatshirt
• Pair of sturdy shoes
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Battery-operated radio with fresh batteries
• Essential medications
• Blanket
• Small first aid kit
• Extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lens solution
• Whistle or other signaling device

Emergency Water Storage And Purification

Following are recommendations for storing and purifying water supplies.

• The minimum drinking water supply is 1 gallon per person per day. You will also need water for food preparation, bathing, brushing teeth, and dish washing. Store a 3-5 day supply of water (at least 5 gallons for each person).

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• Water should be stored in sturdy plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. Rinsed chlorine bleach bottles work well for water storage. Plastic containers for juice and milk do not work as well because they tend to crack and leak more readily. All containers should be labeled.
• Stored water should be changed every 6 months.
• Avoid placing water containers in areas where toxic substances, such as gasoline and pesticides, are present. Vapors may penetrate the plastic over time.
• Do not store water containers in direct sunlight. Select a place with a fairly constant, cool temperature.

Safe Water Sources In The Home

If you do not have enough water stored, there are sources in your home that may provide safe, clean water for drinking purposes.

• Water drained from the water heater faucet, if the water heater has not been damaged.
• Water dipped from the tank of the toilet (not the bowl). The water in the bowl can be used for pets. Do not use water that has been chemically treated or "blue" water.
• Melted ice cubes.
• Canned fruit, vegetable juice, and liquids from other canned goods.
• Water from swimming pools and spas can be used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and related uses, but not for drinking.

Unsafe Water Sources

Never use water from the sources listed below for drinking.

• Radiators
• Hot water boilers (home heating system)
• Water beds (fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the vinyl may make water unsafe for use)

NOTE: Remember that carbonated beverages do not meet drinking water requirements. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need for drinking water.

Water for Drinking and Cooking

Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating drinking water in your area. Here are some general rules concerning water for drinking and cooking. Remember:

• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, or make ice.
• If you use bottled water, make sure the seal has not been broken. Otherwise, water should be boiled or treated before use. Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water until your supply is tested and found safe.
• Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill most organisms.
• If you can't boil water, you can treat water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or unscented household chlorine bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite). If you use chlorine tablets or iodine tablets, follow the directions that come with the tablets. If you use household chlorine bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (~0.75 milliliter [mL]) of bleach per gallon of water if the water is clear. For cloudy water, add 1/4 teaspoon (~1.50 mL) of bleach per gallon. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it stand for about 30 minutes before using it. Treating water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or liquid bleach will not kill many parasitic organisms. Boiling is the best way to kill these organisms.

Containers for water should be rinsed with a bleach solution before using and reusing. Use water storage tanks and other types of containers with caution. For example, fire truck storage tanks, as well as previously used cans or bottles, can be contaminated with microbes or chemicals.

Emergency Food

Keep foods that:

• have a long storage life
• require little or no cooking, water, or refrigeration, in case utilities are disrupted
• meet the needs of babies or other family members who are on special diets
• meet pets' needs
• are not very salty or spicy, as these foods increase the need for drinking water, which may be in short supply

How To Store Emergency Food

• A disaster can easily disrupt the food supply at any time, so plan to have at least a 3-day supply of food on hand.
• When storing food, it is not necessary to buy dehydrated or other types of emergency food. Canned foods and dry mixes will remain fresh for about 2 years.
• Certain storage conditions can enhance the shelf life of canned or dried foods. The ideal location is a cool, dry, dark place. The best temperature is 40 to 60°F. Keep foods away from ranges or refrigerator exhausts. Heat causes many foods to spoil more quickly.
• Keep food away from petroleum products, such as gasoline, oil, paints, and solvents. Some food products absorb their smell.
• Protect food from rodents and insects. Items stored in boxes or in paper cartons will keep longer if they are heavily wrapped or stored in airtight containers.
• Date all food items. Use and replace food before it loses freshness.

How To Use Emergency Food

• Use perishable food in your refrigerator or freezer before using food in your emergency supplies.
• Discard cooked, unrefrigerated foods after 2 hours at room temperature, regardless of appearance.
• Eat only foods that have a normal color, texture, and odor.
• Discard cans that bulge at the ends or that are leaking.

Preparing Food

Preparing food after an earthquake may be complicated by damage to your home and loss of electricity, gas, and water. The following items will help you to prepare meals safely:

• Cooking utensils
• Knives, forks, and spoons
• Paper plates, cups, and towels
• A manual can- and bottle-opener
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Gas or charcoal grill; camp stove
• Fuel for cooking, such as charcoal. (CAUTION: Never burn charcoal indoors. The fumes are deadly when concentrated indoors.)

NOTE: Do not use your fireplace for cooking until the chimney has been inspected for cracks and damage. Sparks may escape into your attic through an undetected crack and start a fire.

Drugs

Children's Drugs

After a disaster, when mixing water with children's drugs to make them liquid, use only water you know is safe. Listen to your local officials to find out if your water is safe. If you are told that the water is unsafe, or if you don’t know if it is safe, use purified or bottled water. When told to boil water for safety, be sure to boil it for at least one minute.

Drug and Supplement Lists

In a disaster, keep a list of your drugs and dietary supplements with you at all times. Keep your list in a safe place like your wallet or purse. Share a copy of your list with a trusted family member or friend. In the event of an emergency, that person will be able to tell health care providers about the medications and dietary supplements you use.

Refrigerated Drugs

Some drugs require refrigeration to keep their strength, including insulin and many liquid drugs. When the power is out for a day or more, throw away any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, use them only until a new supply is available. Replace all refrigerated drugs as soon as possible.

Inspecting for Possible Home Hazards

An important step in earthquake preparedness is to inspect your home and its surroundings for possible hazards and then take action to lessen those hazards. Remember: anything can move, fall, or break during an earthquake or its aftershocks.

The following is a basic checklist to help you identify and correct possible home hazards.

Rooms in the Home

Look for the following hazards in each room:

• Windows and other glass that might shatter
• Unanchored bookcases, cabinets, refrigerators, water heaters, and other furniture that might topple
• Heating units, fireplaces, chimneys, and stoves that could move or fall
• Areas that could be blocked by falling debris

Securing Appliances

Secure your large appliances with flexible cable, braided wire, or metal strapping. Quakehold! 4162 15-Inch Furniture Strap Kit, Antique Brown Quakehold! 4508 Big Screen and Appliance Strap Install flexible gas and water connections on all gas appliances. This will significantly reduce your chances of having a major fire after an earthquake. Brace and support air conditioners, particularly those on rooftops. The typical water heater weighs about 450 pounds when full. In an earthquake, the floor on which it is standing tends to move out from under the heater, often causing it to topple. The movement can also break the gas, electric, and water-line connectors, posing fire or electric shock hazards, and can shatter the glass lining within the water heater.

Here are two suggestions on how to secure your water heater:

• Wrap at least a 1 /2-inch wide metal strap around the top of the water heater and attach it to wall studs with 3-inch lag screws. Attach another strap about 2/3 of the way down from the top of the water heater. OR...
• Wrap steel plumber's tape around the entire water heater at least twice. Then secure the tape to two different wall studs with 3-inch lag screws.

Securing Items in the Bathroom

Replace glass bottles from your medicine cabinet and around the bathtub with plastic containers.

Hanging and Overhead Items

Inspect and anchor overhead light fixtures, such as chandeliers. Move heavy mirrors and pictures hanging above beds, chairs, and other places where you sit or sleep. Otherwise, anchor these items with wire through eyescrews bolted into wall studs. Or place screws on both sides, top, and bottom of the frame and screw these into the studs. Determine whether the full swing of your hanging lamps or plants will strike a window. If so, move them. Secure hanging objects by closing the opening of the hook.

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Hazardous Materials

Identify poisons, solvents, or toxic materials in breakable containers and move these containers to a safe, well-ventilated storage area. Keep them away from your water storage and out of reach of children and pets.

Inspecting and Securing Your Home's Structure

Examine the structural safety of your house. If your house is of conventional wood construction, it will probably be relatively resistant to earthquake damage, particularly if it is a single-story structure. For information on structural safety standards and qualified contractors in your area, contact your city or county government office on community development or building code enforcement. The following suggestions will take an investment of time and money but will add stability to your home. If you want to do the work yourself, many hardware or home-improvement stores will assist you with information and instructions.

Foundation

Check to see if your house or garage is securely fastened to the foundation. (If your house was built before 1950, it probably does not have bolts securing the wood structure to the concrete foundation.) If your house is not secured to the foundation, take the following steps:

• Using a hammer drill and carbide bit, drill a hole through the sill plate into the foundation. Holes should be approximately 6 feet apart.
• Drop a 1/2- x 7-inch expansion bolt into each hole and finish by tightening the nut and washer.

Beams, Posts, Joists, and Plates

Strengthen the areas of connection between beams, posts, joists, and plates using the following hardware:

• "T" and "L" straps
• Mending plates
• Joist hangers
• Twin post caps
• Nails and lag screws

Pay particular attention to exposed framing in garages, basements, porches, and patio covers.

Roof and Chimney

Check your chimney or roof for loose tiles and bricks that could fall in an earthquake. Repair loose tiles or bricks, as needed.

Protect yourself from falling chimney bricks that might penetrate the roof, by reinforcing the ceiling immediately surrounding the chimney with 3/4-inch plywood nailed to ceiling joists.

Learning to Shut Off Utilities

Know where and how to shut off utilities at the main switches or valves. Check with your local utility companies for instructions.

Teach all family members how and when to shut off utilities.

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Electricity

After a major disaster, shut off the electricity. Sparks from electrical switches could pose a shock or fire hazard. Carefully turn off the electricity at the main electrical breaker in your home.

Water

Water may be turned off at either of two locations:

• At the main meter, which controls the water flow to the entire property; or
• At the water main leading into the home. (Shutting off the water here retains the water supply in your water heater, which may be useful in an emergency.)

Attach a valve wrench to the water line. (This tool can be purchased at most hardware stores.) Also, label the water mains for quick identification.

Staying Safe After an Earthquake

Electrical Safety

Power outages and flooding can cause electrical hazards. Never touch a downed power line or anything in contact with one. If a power line falls on your car, remain inside unless the car catches fire or authorities tell you to get out. Do not touch a person who has been electrocuted without making sure the person is no longer in contact with the electrical source. To learn more, call -1800-CDC-INFO.

Around Buildings

After an earthquake, stay away from damaged buildings until building inspectors say it’s safe to enter. When it is safe, enter during the daytime only so you can see hazards. Wear protective clothing during cleanup, and avoid wading in water to reduce injuries. Leave immediately if you hear unusual noises. Remember: pace yourself during cleanup. To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Around Dogs after an Earthquake

Dogs can be scared and stressed after a natural disaster and may be more likely to bite or scratch. Do not approach an unfamiliar dog, and remain motionless if one approaches you. Avoid direct eye contact, and never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Children should not play with dogs without the owner’s permission and adult supervision. To learn more, call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO.

Emergency Wound Care

Apply first aid to treat cuts and scrapes and prevent infection. To care for a bleeding cut, put pressure on it until the bleeding has stopped. Clean the wound by gently pouring clean tap or bottled water over it. Next, apply a clean, dry bandage. If you think the cut is infected, get medical help as soon as possible. To learn more, call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO.

Proper Use of Candles During a Power Outage

Home fires are a threat after a natural disaster and fire trucks may have trouble getting to your home. If the power is out, use flashlights or other battery-powered lights if possible, instead of candles. If you must use them, place candles in safe holders away from anything that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended. To learn more, call the CDC at 800-CDC-INFO.

Preventing Tetanus After a Disaster

When cleaning up after a disaster, be careful of cuts and wounds. To prevent infection, including tetanus, clean all cuts and wounds with soap and clean water, use antibiotic ointment, and cover. If a wound swells or drains, seek medical attention immediately. To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Rodent Control After a Disaster

After a natural disaster, surviving rodents such as rats and mice move to new areas in search of food, water, and shelter. Rats and mice can spread disease, contaminate food, and destroy property. Keep food sealed in containers with tight fitting lids. Keep food, water, and items rodents can hide in away from them. To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Preventing Chain Saw Injuries

If you must use a chain saw, follow the instructions to be safe. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, thick work gloves, chaps, and boots. Always hold the saw at waist level or below, and make sure that others remain far away. If you are cut, put direct pressure on the wound to stop bleeding and get medical help as soon as possible.

Coping With Depression and Thoughts of Suicide After a Disaster

This is an important message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. After a natural disaster, it is normal to feel sad, mad, or guilty—you may have lost a great deal. If you feel like completely giving up or are having thoughts of suicide, get help. Stay in touch with family and friends, find a support network, and talk with a counselor. Getting involved with others can help. For more information, call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

• If you are having suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for help now.

• Need help in coping with the emotional strain of recovering from a disaster – call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727) to learn how you can get help.

• If your child needs help for disaster-related emotional trauma call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727) for aid in finding help.

• If a teen needs help for disaster-related emotional trauma call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727) for aid in finding help.

• If an older adult needs help for disaster-related emotional trauma call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727) for aid in finding help.

• If you are emotionally overwhelmed by the disaster -- trained, caring help is always available at 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727).

• If you are turning to drugs or alcohol because of the emotional strain of dealing with disaster call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727) for help.

• If you feel overwhelming grief, anxiety, or anger in dealing with disaster don’t go it alone. Call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727) for help.

• Help for disaster-related emotional problems or substance abuse issues is only a phone call away – call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (726-4727) for help.