Living in Southern California means enjoying beautiful weather and stunning landscapes, but it also means being prepared for the possibility of a major earthquake. Earthquakes can happen without warning, and being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Here’s a guide on how to prepare for a big earthquake and what to do when one occurs.
Preparing for an Earthquake
1. Create an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit should contain essential supplies that can sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. Include:
• Water: At least one gallon per person per day.
• Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruits.
• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, prescription medications, and any special medical needs.
• Flashlights and Batteries: Have several on hand, along with extra batteries.
• Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Toiletries, hand sanitizers, and feminine hygiene products.
• Tools: A multi-tool, wrench (to turn off utilities), and gloves.
• Important Documents: Copies of ID, insurance papers, and emergency contact information in a waterproof container.
• Cash: In small bills, as ATMs may not be operational.
• Clothing and Blankets: Warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
• Miscellaneous Items: Extra keys, duct tape, and a whistle.
2. Secure Your Home
• Furniture: Anchor heavy furniture, such as bookshelves and cabinets, to the walls to prevent tipping.
• Appliances: Secure appliances like refrigerators and water heaters, and install flexible gas lines.
• Breakables: Store heavy or breakable items on lower shelves and use museum putty to secure smaller items.
• Structural Safety: If you live in an older home, consider a professional inspection to evaluate the structural integrity and retrofit if necessary.
3. Develop a Family Communication Plan
• Meeting Points: Designate a safe meeting place outside your home and another location outside your neighborhood in case of evacuation.
• Out-of-Area Contact: Choose a family member or friend who lives outside of California as a point of contact for everyone to check in with.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts in your phone and on paper in your emergency kit.
4. Practice Earthquake Drills
• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Practice the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill. Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Evacuation Routes: Know the safest routes to exit your home or workplace and identify the safest places to take cover.
What to Do During an Earthquake
1. If You’re Indoors:
• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck, and get under a sturdy table or desk if possible. Hold on until the shaking stops.
• Stay Indoors: Do not run outside; you are safer inside under protection than exposed to falling debris outside.
• Away from Windows: Stay away from glass, windows, and mirrors that could shatter.
• In Bed: If you’re in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• Elevators: Avoid using elevators; they may become inoperable during the quake.
• Open Space: Move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires, and overpasses.
• Drop to the Ground: Stay low and protect your head and neck.
• Stay Put: Remain in the open space until the shaking stops.
3. If You’re in a Vehicle:
• Pull Over Safely: Stop the car as quickly and safely as possible, avoiding bridges, tunnels, and overpasses.
• Stay in the Vehicle: Remain in the car with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
• Proceed with Caution: After the shaking stops, proceed carefully, avoiding damaged roads, bridges, and downed power lines.
4. If You’re Near the Coast:
• Move to Higher Ground: After the shaking stops, immediately move inland or to higher ground if you’re near the coast, as there may be a tsunami risk.
After the Earthquake
1. Check for Injuries and Damage
• Injuries: Administer first aid as necessary and avoid moving seriously injured individuals unless absolutely necessary.
• Utilities: Check for gas leaks (smell or hissing sound) and turn off the gas if you suspect a leak. Do not turn the gas back on yourself; wait for a professional.
• Structural Damage: Inspect your home for structural damage. If you suspect significant damage, evacuate and seek shelter elsewhere.
2. Stay Informed
• News Updates: Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen for emergency information and instructions from authorities.
• Phone Use: Limit phone use to emergency calls to keep lines open for first responders.
• Aftershocks: These smaller quakes can follow the main earthquake and may cause additional damage. Stay vigilant and be ready to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” again if necessary.
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