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Emergency Preparedness Tips for Earthquakes
Are you prepared for Life Emergencies?? Top 10 Emergency Preparedness Tips
1. Take a safety walk through your home to identify potential hazards and fix them:
• Secured water heater
• Identify top-heavy furniture and secure them
• Identify heavy and breakable objects and secure or move them
• Know how to shut off gas and water
2. Prepare a 72-Hour Emergency Kit with an adequate three-day supply for each family member.
3. Prepare a family communication plan in the event family members are separated during the
emergency. Establish an out-of-area contact.
4. Prepare a family reunion plan if family members become separated and if house is uninhabitable.
5. Maintain a list of emergency numbers including key contacts you may need to contact after the
disaster.
6. Know if your community has a neighborhood plan in place, and if any family member or neighbor
has completed CERT Training (Community Emergency Response Training.)
7. Periodically use and replace your 72-Hour Emergency Preparedness Kit perishable supplies.
8. Have a home evacuation plan and practice periodically with your family.
9. Maintain your family emergency plan and update as needed.
10. Consider becoming certified CERT member in your community. Responding to Emergencies
It may be a news flash, an explosion from afar, or the ground shaking beneath your own feet. When it's time to act, your immediate response may have a very large impact on yourself and others.
STAY CALM, BE PATIENT AND PUT YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN INTO ACTION:
CHECK FOR INJURIES
• Give first aid within your capabilities.
• Get help for seriously injured people.
LISTEN TO RADIO FOR NEWS / INSTRUCTIONS
ASSESS THE DAMAGE
• If you suspect damage, use flashlights. Do not use matches or electrical switches as the air may contain gas.
• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside as soon as possible.
• Shut off any other damaged utilities. (You will need a professional to turn gas back on.)
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable liquids as quickly as possible.
CONFINE / SECURE PETS
CALL YOUR FAMILY CONTACT (Do not use telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.)
AVOID FALLEN POWER LINES
CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (children, elderly, disabled, medically fragile, animals, etc.).
DO NOT SPREAD RUMORS Creating an Emergency Plan
During times of disaster, the world as you know it may literally be falling apart. A simple and realistic plan can help bring some order to the chaos and make the difference in saving lives and property.
AWARENESS
Understand the various emergencies that have historically affected or potentially could affect the local area of Santa Clara County: terrorism, earthquakes, power outages, hazardous materials, fires, floods/storms, extreme heat/drought, tornados, and lightning.
HOUSEHOLD
Discuss with your household the importance of being prepared for the next emergency. Enlist their commitment and contributions.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Know where to call for an emergency. Post these numbers near all your telephones:
• General Emergency…911
• Poison Control…1800-876-4766
• Power Outage…1800-743-5000
COMMUNITY WARNINGS
Familiarize yourself with local community warning signals and actions you should take.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Keep a list of important information of household members readily available:
• Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Medical Information (medication, allergies, specialist doctors, equipment or supplies)
• Work, school, and other addresses/telephone numbers
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Maintain some basic emergency supplies and keep them readily available in a water proof container.
FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY
Learn what you can do to prevent fires and other tragic accidents through fire prevention and safety.
SMOKE DETECTORS
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Get training from the fire department on how to use fire extinguishers (A-B-C type) and keep it readily available.
EVACUATION
Determine the following evacuation routes:
• Two ways out of each room (keep clear).
• Best routes out of the home (keep clear).
• Best routes out of the neighborhood.
MEETING PLACES
Designate two places for the family to meet and account for everyone.
• Immediately outside the home for sudden emergencies (ex: fire).
• Outside the neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Everyone should know the address and phone number.
FAMILY CONTACT
Establish an out-of-state family contact to coordinate information. (After an emergency, it is usually easier to call long-distance.) Everyone should know the contact’s phone number and email address. For school-aged children, write the number in their binder or backpack.
HOME HAZARDS
Learn simple methods of reducing home hazards.
FIRST AID / CPR
Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
UTILITIES
Learn how to turn off all the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main connections.
INSURANCE
Verify that you have adequate insurance coverage (life, disability, health, home, auto, and other property).
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Ensure you have copies of important documents in an alternate location (family, friend, safety deposit box, etc…)
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Death Certificate
• Drivers License
• Passport
• Social Security Card
• Wills
• Deeds
• Prescriptions
• Insurance Policies
• Financial Records
• Inventory of Your Property (preferably with photographs and receipts)
SPECIAL NEEDS
Consider any special needs of your household for the successful execution of this plan (non-English-speaking people, children, elderly, disabled, medically fragile, animals, etc…).
PRACTICE
Learn simple ideas of putting it into practice until everyone knows the plan and feels confident with it.
MAINTENANCE
• Monthly - Test smoke detectors.
• Every 6 Months - Replace water/food reserves.
• Annually
o Replace smoke detector batteries.
o Test radio, flashlight, etc…
o Check with local Office of Emergency Services, American Red Cross, and/or Federal Emergency Management Agency for latest emergency preparedness information.
o Practice and drill.
• As Needed
o Test and recharge fire extinguishers per manufacturer’s instructions.
o Update information/contacts as needed.
o Practice and drill.
RESPONSE
Think about actually responding to emergencies.
IMPROVEMENT
Once you and your family have a general emergency plan in place, you can take additional steps to be better prepared for the specific emergencies that affect Santa Clara County (terrorism, earthquakes, power outages, hazardous materials, fires, floods/storms, extreme heat/drought, tornados, and lightning).
OTHER EMERGENCY PLANS
Familiarize yourself with the emergency plans of the places your family spends time (school, business, etc.).
COMMUNITY
Learn about volunteering and training opportunities with your local community on how you can better prepare for and respond to the next emergency as a team and neighborhood asset. Understand the skills (medical, technical, etc.) and special needs (non-English-speaking people, children, elderly, disabled, medically fragile, animals, etc.) of your neighbors.
Family Communication Plan
There is a high probability that phones, cell phones, and pagers will not work or have sporadic reception for approximately three days following a regional disaster. It is very important that families think through and develop a communication plan in the event family members are separated and cannot communicate with each other.
Items to consider in developing a Family Communication Plan:
1. Use a phone for emergency calls only. Too many people trying to make calls may jam local phone lines.
2. Be patient and wait for dial tone.
3. Pay phones have priority over other types of phones. If you are having trouble making calls from a regular phone, try using a pay phone. Locate one in your area now so you know where it is.
4. Making an “out-of-state” call can be easier to complete than trying to complete a local call.
A Family Communication Plan must have the following to be effective:
1. Develop an “out-of-area” contact for family members to call and coordinate messages from other family members. List a home and work number for the “out-of-area” contacts.
2. Identify 2 neighbors for the family to contact and agree to check each others home after the disaster.
3. If you have children who attend a school, know what your school procedures are following a regional disaster. Give the school an “out-of-state” contact phone number.
4. Develop a list of each family member’s key phone numbers that are used by the family member.
5. Carry your emergency contact numbers with you at all times.
6. Family members should know each other’s disaster procedures for work, school, or other places they spend time.
72-Hour Emergency Preparedness Kit Checklist
1) Water - One gallon per person, per day for three days:
A. Two quarts for drinking
B. Two quarts for food preparation
2) Food - Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight:
A. Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables (pet food if you have pets)
B. Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered store extra water)
C. Staples: sugar, salt, pepper
D. High-energy foods: peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, vitamins
E. Food for infants, elderly people, or special diets
F. Comfort/Stress food: cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags
3. First Aid Supplies:
A. Sterile adhesives bandages in assorted sizes
B. Petroleum jelly, cleansing agents/soap
C. Thermometer, tongue blades safety pins
D. 2 and 4 inch sterile gauze pads
E. Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
F. Moistened Towelettes, antiseptic Triangular bandages
G. Latex gloves Sterile roller bandages
H. Sunscreen Scissors, tweezers, needles
I. Aspirin/pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, syrup of ipecac, laxatives
4. Clothing & Bedding:
A. Sturdy shoes or work boots Rain gear
B. Blankets or sleeping bags
C. Hat and gloves
D. Thermal underwear
E. Sunglasses
5. Tools & Supplies:
A. Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
B. Battery operated radio and extra batteries
C. Flashlight and extra batteries
D. Cash or traveler’s checks, change
E. Non-Electric can opener, utility knife
F. Fire extinguisher
G. Tube tent
H. Compass
I. Pliers
J. Tape
K. Matches in waterproof container
L. Aluminum foil
M. Paper, pencil
N. Plastic storage containers
O. Needles, thread
P. Medicine dropper
Q. Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water
R. Whistle
S. Plastic sheeting
T. Map of the area
U. Toilet paper, Towelettes
V. Soap, liquid detergent
W. Feminine supplies
X. Plastic garbage bags, ties
Y. Plastic bucket with tight lid
Z. Disinfectant and Household chlorine bleach
6. Emergency Supplies & Special Items:
Babies
A. Formula B. Diapers C. Bottles D. Powdered Milk E. Medications
Adults
A. Heart and high blood pressure B. Medications - Insulin
C. Denture needs D. Contact lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses
E. Important family documents Top 10 Earthquake Preparedness Tips 1. Select an out-of-area telephone contact for family members to call and coordinate messages.
2. Develop a family communication plan, evacuation and reunion plan. Know your child’s daycare/school earthquake plan.
3. Locate all utility shutoff valves and know how to shut them off. Tie a shut off wrench to the main gas line.
4. Mitigate earthquake vulnerability: Double strap your water heater to wall studs (1/3 from the top and 1/3 from the bottom to prevent tipping,) bolt bookcases and attach pictures and mirrors firmly to the wall, move heavy objects from upper shelves to lower shelves.
5. Store heavy shoes and gloves (to protect your hands from broken glass and other debris) under or near your bed.
6. Prepare a 72-hour family emergency supply kit and store in plastic containers and tape shut with duct tape.
7. Take photos or a video of your home (interior and exterior) to document its condition and contents. Store in a bank safety deposit box or fire proof safe for future use.
8. Check with your insurance carrier to make sure you have appropriate earthquake coverage.
9. If you are indoors:
a. Stay clear of windows and fireplaces
b. Duck and drop to the floor
c. Take cover under a sturdy placed furniture piece, hold on to it and ride it out.
10. If you are outdoors:
a. Get into the open away from power lines
b. If you are driving, pull over and stop. Turn off your engine, and do not stop under heavy objects or power lines.
c. If you are in a crowded public place, do not rush for exits. Try and stay calm
d. Never re-enter damaged buildings unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so
11. Get trained in CPR and First Aid Children and Emergencies
Children generally lack the same maturity and mental capacity of adults. You must help them prepare for the next emergency through instilling some very basic guidance. Also learn what you must do to help them meet that challenge. Teach your child how and when to call for help. Post local emergency phone numbers by all telephones.
HELP
Teach your child to call 9-1-1 in emergencies.
DANGER SIGNALS
Teach your child how to recognize danger signals such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, and local community warning systems.
MEETING PLACES
Designate two places for the family to meet and account for everyone.
• Immediately outside the home for sudden emergencies (ex: fire).
• Outside the neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Everyone should know the address and phone number.
FAMILY INFORMATION
Help your child memorize important family information such as name, address, and phone number. If your child has trouble memorizing this information, a small index card can keep it readily available.
EMERGENCY PLAN
Involve your child in the creation and maintenance of your family emergency plan.
PROVIDE A GOOD EXAMPLE
Your child is looking to you to see how to react in an emergency. Remember that what may be only slightly frightening for you may be traumatic for your child.
Car & Office
Emergencies will strike with no regard to personal convenience. Many Californians spend almost half their day at the worksite or in their car. Don't get caught unprepared for disaster.
CAR
• Earthquake - The car's suspension system will make the car shake violently, but it is still relatively safer than the outside environment.
o Stop the car as soon and safely as possible.
o Remain in the car until the shaking stops.
o Avoid overpasses and utility lines.
• Flood - Floodwater on a road can be deeper than it appears and the level can rise quickly.
o Do not drive through water on a road.
o Get out of the car.
o Move to higher ground.
o Only wade through flood waters if it is not flowing rapidly and is no higher than your knees.
• Tornado - A car is the least safe place to be during a tornado.
o Get out of the car.
o Find shelter in a building or lie flat in a ditch or other ground depression with your arms over your head.
Emergency supplies kit may be kept in the car:
• Blanket/Sleeping Bag
• Bottled Water
• Rain Gear/Extra Clothes
• Canned Fruits/Nuts
• Can Opener
• Medication
• Shovel
• Booster Cables/Tools
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
0FFICE
• Familiarize yourself with your employer's emergency plan.
• Memorize the location of all emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment.
• Prepare an emergency supplies kit that might be stored in a daypack:
o Water (1 gallon in quart containers)
o Extra Warm Clothes (including hat and sturdy gloves)
o Compass and Maps
o Portable Radio (batteries packaged separately)
o Flashlight (batteries packaged separately)
o Heavy Garbage Bags (2 for shelter or poncho)
o Snack Food (in sealed containers)
o Prescription and Non-Prescription Drugs
o Money (small bills and coins)
o Disposable Camera
o Small Plastic Bags (several for storage)
o Family Contact Information and Photos
o Whistle
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