Without getting into too many of the statistics, it is a known fact that California is Earthquake country. The state is home to two-thirds of the nations earthquake risk with over 500+ active faults. Scientist predict based on seismic activity both past and current that a 6.7+M Earthquake is 99% likely within the next 30-years. While the numbers are not meant to cause an uproar of concern, as a Californian, your duty is to be prepared.
Read below for important information on staying prepared before, during and after an Earthquake. Additional government information can be found at the links listed at the bottom of this article.
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away. Drop, Cover, then Hold On!
If in a vehicle, pull over and stop.
If in bed, stay there.
If outdoors, stay outdoors.
Do not get in a doorway.
Do not run outside.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN AN EARTHQUAKE THREATENS
Prepare NOW
Secure items, such as televisions, and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Practice Drop, Cover, then Hold On with family and coworkers. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Crawl only as far as needed to reach cover from falling materials. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.
Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated.
Click the Image to view Rodeo Realty’s Emergency Kit Guide
Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for at least three days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle. Consider each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover earthquake damage.
Consider a retrofit of your building to correct structural issues that make it vulnerable to collapse during an earthquake.
Survive DURING
Drop, Cover, then Hold On like you practiced. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris.
If in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If inside, stay there until the shaking stops. DO NOT run outside.
If in a vehicle, stop in a clear area that is away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses, or utility wires.
If you are in a high-rise building, expect fire alarms and sprinklers to go off. Do not use elevators.
If near slopes, cliffs, or mountains, be alert for falling rocks and landslides.
Be Safe AFTER
Expect aftershocks to follow the largest shock of an earthquake.
Check yourself for injury and provide assistance to others if you have training.
If in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building.
Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, cover your mouth. Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting so that rescuers can locate you.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops.
Save phone calls for emergencies.
Once safe, monitor local news reports via battery operated radio, TV, social media, and cell phone text alerts for emergency information and instructions.
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
From earthquakes to floods and
wildfires, California comes across several natural disasters every year. It’s
unknown when the next major earthquake will happen, or when the next wildfire
will occur, but you can take action now to ensure your safety and prepare.
Some emergencies require a brief
absence and others a permanent evacuation—if you are forced to leave your home,
you may have less than a minute to get out. Therefore, it is important to have
an emergency evacuation kit packed and ready to go.
In addition to packing water, nonperishable food, clothing, a first-aid kit and flashlights, there are important documents and other important items you should include in your evacuation kit.
Your kit should have:
Cash: Make sure to have small bills. You won’t be able to make withdrawals from ATMs if the power is out.
Banking: Have your savings and checking account numbers.
Identification: Make sure you have copies of your driver’s licenses, social security card, marriage record, and birth certificates.
Insurance: Home, health, and auto policy information.
Contact information: Contact numbers of doctors, family members, friends, among others.
Legal: Include copies of wills or power-of-attorney documents.
Navigation: Disasters can force detours and change traffic patterns. Make sure to include a map of your area that includes street names and public transportation information.
Medication: Include extra copies of your prescriptions in your emergency kit. In addition, keep at least a week supply of essential medications.
Connectivity: Add an extra cellphone charger or a portable charging device for your phone.
Use a duffel bag or a large water-resistant backpack to hold all your emergency items. Also, make sure to keep your documents inside a waterproof container and store your bag in a safe place where you can easily grab it. Throughout the year, take a few minutes to make sure everything is up-to-date.
An emergency evacuation kit is an important investment to make for you and your family.
