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Aug 21, 2007 6:16 am US/Pacific
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Tips To Prepare Before An Earthquake
LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―
Recently reported earthquakes in
Hawaii,
Papua New Guinea and
New Zealand are a reminder - make sure you have a disaster preparedness plan and an earthquake kit. Here are a few items you might want to include in kits that you should ideally have in your home, your car and at work:
• Medication, prescription list, a copy of your family's medical insurance cards, your doctor's name and contact information
• First aid kit and handbook
• Non-latex examination gloves
• Dust mask
• Extra eyeglasses in a strong case or another pair of contact lenses, plus cleaning solution
• Bottled water
• A whistle to alert rescuers to your location
• Sturdy shoes
• Emergency cash or traveler's checks - at least $30 per person
• Road maps
• A hard-copy list of emergency out-of-area contact phone numbers
• Snack foods that are high in water and calories
• Canned goods and a non-electric can opener
• Working flashlights with extra batteries and light bulbs or light sticks
• A battery-operated radio
• A fire-extinguisher
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Toiletries and special provisions needed for each member of the family, with special consideration for the elderly, disabled, small children and animals
• Copies of personal identification - driver's license, a work ID card, Social Security card
Storing bottled water is especially important. According to the City of Los Angeles/Los Angeles Fire Department Earthquake Handbook, a good rule of thumb would be to store one gallon of water per person for at least seven days.
One- and two-gallon water containers that can be bought from stores are not designed for long-term storage and can start leaking after six months. Authorities say a better solution is the one and five-gallon containers from camping and survival stores are better for long term storage.
Water should also never be stored on concrete - concrete can leech chemicals into the water, contaminating it. Water should instead be stored in a cool, dark place on a wooden pallet or shelf in a location where it will not destroy other supplies in cases of leaks.
A household disaster supplies kit is also important. This type of kit should be stored in a large watertight container that is easily moved with a three-day to one-week supply of these items:
• Wrenches to turn off gas and water
• Work gloves and protective goggles
• Heavy-duty plastic bags for waste and to serve as tarps, rain ponchos, etc.
• Additional flashlights or light sticks
• Canned and packaged foods
• Charcoal or gas grill for outdoor cooking and matches if needed
• Cooking utensils
• Pet food and restraings
• Comfortable, warm clothing and extra socks
• Blankets or sleeping bags, maybe even a tent
• Copies of vital documents like insurance policies
Another special consideration for Southern Californians would be what to do if you are driving when an earthquake hits. LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey says in such a situation, slowly move away from wires, move to the side of the road until shaking ceases and stay away from bridges and overpasses.
For a comprehensive 7-step plan to earthquake preparedness, please visit the
Southern California Earthquake Center's "Putting Down roots in Earthquake Country" handbook.
The
American Red Cross has a list of items that should be in every household's disaster supplies kit.
(Information from the Southern California Earthquake Center and the City of Los Angeles.)