Earthquake Preparedness, Earthquake Kits and a Plan

Earthquakes can be one of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature. An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock as it releases strain that has accumulated over time. A severe earthquake can have long lasting aftereffects. The destruction can be local or widespread. All 50 states and 5 U.S. territories are at some risk for earthquakes. Earthquakes can happen at any time of the year. The 2011 East Coast earthquake illustrated the fact that it is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, so no matter where you live, it is important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time. Now is the time to prepare for earthquakes by purchasing earthquake kits for each member of you family. Earthquake kits should be stored where ever you spend time. You should have an earthquake kit at home, in your car, at your child's school and at your work.
A little knowledge and a few precautionary measures can enormously increase your chances of surviving an earthquake - or any other type of hazard. The keys are education and preparing in advance. The earthquake safety tips below will not make you an expert. However, they could make a life-saving difference if you find yourself in an earthquake situation.
Before an earthquake occurs:
€ Purchase earthquake kits for each family member
€ Make a family plan
€ Fasten shelves securely to walls.
€ Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
€ Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
€ Fasten heavy items such as pictures and mirrors securely to walls and away from beds, couches and anywhere people sit.
€ Brace overhead light fixtures and top-heavy objects.
€ Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks. Get appropriate professional help. Do not work with gas or electrical lines yourself.
€ Install flexible pipefittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.
€ Secure your water heater, refrigerator, furnace and gas appliances by strapping them to the wall studs and bolting to the floor. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.
€ Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
€ Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation.
€ Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
€ Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.
€ Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover and hold on.
It seems like a lot of work, but the payoff is survival. According to the United States Geological Survey, more than 3 million earthquakes happen each year. That is one earthquake every 11 seconds! Obviously, many of these earthquakes have little or no effect on human civilization - - most are too weak to notice, and many others occur in completely uninhabited places, where there is no one around to feel them. However, every year, at least a handful of earthquakes occur in populated areas and cause death and destruction.