Would you know what to do? How to turn off the
gas, for example?
Would you know how to contact your family?
Would you be able to cope without shelter, gas, water or electricity?
Would
you be able to tend to an injured family member or neighbor?
If the answer is no to any of the above, you need to bone up on Earthquake
101.
Earthquake experts' report Monday that the Southland is overdue for another major earthquake is also a reminder to be prepared
for disaster. It doesn't hurt that their report was released during Earthquake Preparedness Month.
The Southern California Earthquake
Center and other experts put the odds for an earthquake in California with a magnitude of 6.7 or greater at 99 percent in the next
30 years. Odds are 46 percent for an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 or greater.
Anyone in Ventura County, particularly in Fillmore
or Simi Valley on Jan. 17, 1994, knows how serious an earthquake can be. Fifty-seven people died and thousands were injured as a result
of the magnitude 6.7 Northridge quake.
There are many excellent Web sites to assist people in preparing for disaster. The American
Red Cross, in particular, has tips on preparing a home earthquake plan, eliminating hazards and knowing what to do during the shaking.
It
recommends all family members have an out-of-town phone number to call during a disaster, since, as occurred during the 1994 quake,
local phone communications can be hampered. Call volumes during disasters can overwhelm cell-phone providers' systems, but text messages
are more likely to get through.
The American Red Cross recommends those in earthquakes remember to "drop, cover and hold on." Go under
a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing is likely to fall on you. If nothing like that is near, sit on the
floor against an interior wall away from windows or tall furniture. If in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow. The
Red Cross advises people outside to find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines and drop to the ground.
Even though
most Californians know they are in earthquake country, geologists are getting better at locating new faults. New or old, they are
out there, ready to rock our world, literally. Ninety-nine percent chance in 30 years means the Big One is coming to California, either
today or in 2038.
Tips
Have emergency kits in home and car:
— First-aid kit and essential medications.
— Canned food and can opener.
—
At least 3 gallons of water per person.
— Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags.
— Battery-powered radio, flashlight
and extra batteries.
— Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
— Written instructions for how to turn off gas,
electricity and water if authorities advise you to do so. (A professional is required to turn natural gas service back on.)
