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Article
Self And Home Preparedness
By Brigith Babb and Jonathan Adrias
Seismologists inform us there is a 70% probability that a major earthquake will strike Northern California within the next 30 years. The following information will assist you in your disaster planning and preparedness steps. By taking time to inform and prepare yourself, you may save a life or reduce the negative impact of the disaster on your family and community.
Earthquakes, fires, hazardous materials, spills, floods and acts of terrorism are all possible threats. Earthquake preparedness is the focus of this guide, not only because of the high-probability, but also because earthquake preparedness most thoroughly addresses securing your home and other physical environments.
What to do before the quake or event
Prepare yourself, your family and your home
- Identify any non-structural hazard that may cause injury or impede your safe evacuation of the home.
- Practice "drop, cover and hold" or "get low and go" in these locations.
- Hold earthquake and fire drills.
- Change the batteries in smoke detectors every 6 months.
- Obtain and learn how to use an ABC Fire Extinguisher. Keep it charged and handy.
Prepare and store emergency supply kits for home, work and auto with enough materials to last at least 72 hours. Be sure to have enough food, water, prescription medication and other supplies that your family may need.
Family Communication Plan
If you cannot reunite at home, choose a relative who lives at least 100 miles away who can be contacted by phone by all family members. Be sure that relative knows they will be the emergency contact point for the family. When you call, tell them the time, where you are, how you are, and the condition of other family members. Often, long distance lines will be working when local lines are not.
Plans for Elderly and Disabled People
If someone in your family has a disability be sure you spend time assuring yourself and them that they can evacuate the home. Here are a few tips to follow:
- If you are deaf or hearing impaired, pick a neighbor or two who can check on you and relay important information to you.
- If you use a hearing aid, have an extra hearing aid if possible, and batteries in a separate location, such as your car.
- Tell your neighbors now if you cannot move well or quickly in an emergency and make arrangements for someone to check on you.
- Know where the safest places in each room are.
- If you use a wheelchair, it is even more important that items are secured so they won't fall and block your safe exit from home.
- If you use a service animal, understand that the animal may become injured and develop a plan to handle an injured animal. Also, be sure to prepare an emergency kit for your dog as well.
Plan for Your Pets
The best plan for your animal is your plan. Understand that pets will not be permitted in shelters set up to handle the public. Therefore you must prepare to care for your pets. Be sure to have:
- Current photos of your pet including a description.
- Proof of current vaccination information.
- Collar and leash, if appropriate.
- A crate large enough for the animal to stand up and move around; be sure the animal is comfortable getting into the crate.
- Supply of food and water.
- List of any places that will board your animals should the need arise.
Identify neighbors and/or friends who will be able to get into your house for your animals if you are away and cannot get home. In the event that you are home and ordered to evacuate, take your animals and their supplies with you to a pre-determined boarding or humane facility but not to a designated public shelter.
Vital Documents and Important Information
- Take time now and record vital household information including name, social security number, addresses, pictures of family members and community information. Make several copies. Keep one in a safe place in your home. Keep another in a safe deposit box and/or send one to a relative or friend who lives outside the area.
- Store deeds, wills, tax records for past 3 years, birth certificates, passports and other vital documents. Duplicates should be kept in a safe place in another location.
- Take photographs of all valuables for documentation and insurance claims. If you have vital documentation on a computer, store these on a separate disk.
Disaster Recovery:
Remember you are a normal person who has just lived through a very abnormal situation and as such you may experience some normal reactions as the result of the disaster.
Helpful Things To Do:
- Talking about your feelings and experiences will help you feel better
- Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol
- Rebuild personal relationships
- Stay hydrated
Ready Pack Suggestions:
| Small water packets |
Facemasks (dust type) |
| Food (snack or not requiring cooking) |
Personal hygiene supplies |
| Sturdy shoes |
Pocket knife/Swiss Army type |
| First aid kit with your medicines |
Zip lock bags and toilet paper |
| Change of clothes |
Small bills and coins |
| Warm jacket |
Trash bags |
| AM/FM radio with batteries |
Duct tape |
| Flashlight with extra batteries |
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There are other items you could put into your pack; personalize it, use it.
Someday you may need to survive on what is in there.
Reminder: Don't forget to make a kit appropriate for your children, seniors and pets!
STAY SAFE
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