I hope you
participated in the Great Utah Shake Out (or whatever state you live in)event held 4/17/2012. Even if you hid
under your desk for a couple of seconds cursing your employer for making you
play along, at least it made you think for a small fraction of time about being
prepared.
At work we were invited to watch a video (Watch Utah Preparedness Now Video) which depicts what will likely happen in the
Wasatch Front if a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits, then we had a speaker from
the Utah Emergency Management Association speak to us on preparedness.
One thing that really stuck with me was when our speaker said
his first responsibility was to his family. When and if a major emergency hits,
all emergency response individuals will be checking on their families first,
then they will turn to helping others. I am not sure why it was such a shock to
me to learn this, I guess I just assumed it was their responsibility to
immediately start helping, but if I were in their position I would do the exact
same thing.
During the video and discussion 72 hour kits were addressed
repeatedly, along with having adequate water, food, emergency supplies, heat
and communication devices. It certainly made me think about how far I have come
in my preparedness journey. I was only
missing three things on their list of recommended prepping tasks. One was a fire extinguisher, which I now
have. I purchased the fire extinguisher
for less than $20.00 (Click to purchase extinguisher). The Second is to secure the water heater. I have
not done this yet, but it is next on my list, hopefully this weekend. Here is a video for installing straps to
secure your water heater, it is quite lengthy, but gives several scenarios for
different installation types. (secure water heater video).
The Third prepping task that I have not completed is retrofitting my 1913 house
to current earthquake standards. Well,
that isn’t on my list at all, maybe if I hit the lottery, but chances are I
will buy a new house instead.
Here are some of my favorite emergency supplies:
2 Person 72
Hour Kit Sale Price $79.10 (You must contact me directly to get this sale price
unless you are a Q customer.) We have 14 different Pre-assembled kits to choose
from if the 2 Person kit isn’t what you are looking for. Click for all Pre-assembled kits
First Aid Kit Sale Price $35.99 (You must contact me directly to get this sale
price unless you are a Q customer.) We have several different First Aid Kits
available to choose from depending on your specific needs. Click for all First Aid Kits
QuickclotSport Silver $23.99. This is a must have in your 72 hour kit, to stop any
bleeding from heavy wound. We also offer
Quickclot Sport
$12.99, this version is not anti bacterial to help with infection but will stop
the bleeding just as well as the Quickclot Sport Silver.
Gas shut off tool
$6.49. Remember to only shut off your gas main if you smell gas. Only an
employee from the gas company can turn your service back on.
100 GallonWater Filtration Bottle $29.99. If you are on the move or are suspicious of
your water source, this is a wonderful light weight bottle that removes harmful
microscopic pathogens such a Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Viruses and other cysts
and spores.
Red Cross Microlink Radio $39.99. This solar-powered AM/FM/NOAA
radio comes complete with a flashlight, USB port and earphone jack. Both
lightweight and weatherproof, this 3 in 1 tool is a must in any emergency.
Below are some preparedness guides complied by the Utah
Seismic Safety Commission.
Preparing Your Family
For An
Earthquake
When preparing for an earthquake, plan on having enough
supplies to get you and your family through at least the first 72 hours. After
a major earthquake, there's a good chance that traditional emergency response
teams will be too busy to take care of you and your family. You need to prepare
your home and neighborhood.
The Plan
- Stock up on at least a three-day supply of food, water, clothes,
medical supplies and other necessary equipment for everyone in your family.
Make sure everyone knows where to find them.
- Decide where and when to reunite your family should you be apart
when an earthquake happens.
- Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family
members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner
than local service. Do not use the phone immediately after the earthquake.
- Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children
attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get them.
- If you have a family member that does not speak English, prepare
an emergency card written in English indicating that persons identification,
address and any special needs such as medication or allergies. Tell that person
to keep the card with him/her at all times.
- Conduct Earthquake: Duck, Cover & Hold drills every six months
with your family.
- Know the safest place in each room because it will be difficult to
move from one room to another during an earthquake.
- Locate the shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity. Learn
how to shut off the valves before a quake. If you have any questions, call your
utility company.
- Make copies of vital records and keep them in a safe deposit box
in another city or state. Make sure originals are stored safely.
- Before a quake occurs, call your local Red Cross chapter and
Office of Emergency Services to find out about their plans for emergency shelters
and temporary medical centers in case of such a disaster.
- Establish all the possible ways to exit your house. Keep those
areas clear.
- Know the locations of the nearest fire and police stations.
- Take photos and/or videos of your valuables. Make copies and keep
them in another city or state.
- Include your babysitter and other household help in your plans.
- Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and house and car keys on hand.
- Keep extra cash and change. If electricity is out, you will not be
able to use an ATM.
General Tips
- Stay away from heavy furniture, appliances, large glass panes,
shelves holding objects, and other large decorative masonry, brick or plaster such
as fireplaces.
- Keep your hallway clear. It is usually one of the safest places to
be during an earthquake.
- Stay away from kitchens and garages, which tend to be the most
dangerous places because of the many items kept there.
Before an Earthquake
- Store enough food and water
to last for 72 hours, preferably for one week.
- Prepare a shelter or evacuation
kit for your pet, including an unbreakable dish, veterinarian records, a
restraint (leash or pet carrier) and medication with instructions.
- Keep your pet’s ID tag up-to-date.
- Make sure nothing can fall
on your pet.
- Arrange for a neighbor to
take care of your pet if you are not able to get home after earthquake.
During and After an Earthquake
- Do not try to hold on to
your pet during the shaking. Animals will instinctively protect themselves and
hide where they’re safe. If you get in their way, even the nicest pets can turn
on you.
- Be patient with your pets
after a quake. They get stressed just like people and need time to readjust.
They may disappear for some time, but they generally show up again when things
have calmed down.
- If you have outdoor pets,
you should keep them indoors until the aftershocks have subsided and they have
calmed down.
- If you must evacuate your
home, leave your pet secured in a safe place. Pets will not be allowed at
shelters. Be sure to leave plenty of clean water and food. If possible, visit
pet daily until you can return home.
Tips for Preparing Children
Infants and Toddlers
For infants and toddlers, special
emphasis should be placed on making their environment as safe as possible.
- Cribs should be placed away
from windows
and tall, unsecured bookcases and shelves that could slide or topple.
- A minimum of a 72-hour
supply of extra water, formula, bottles, food, juices, clothing, disposable diapers, baby wipes and prescribed
medications should be stored where it is most likely to be accessible after an
earthquake. Also keep an extra diaper bag with these items in your car.
- Store strollers, wagons,
blankets and cribs with appropriate wheels to evacuate infants, if necessary.
- Install bumper pads in cribs
or bassinets to protect babies during the shaking.
- Install latches on all
cupboards (not just those young children can reach) so that nothing can fall on
your baby during a quake.
Preschool and School-age Children
By age three or so, children can
understand what an earthquake is and how to get ready for one. Take the time to
explain what causes earthquakes in terms they'll understand. Include your
children in family discussions and planning for earthquake safety. Conduct drills
and review safety procedures every six months.
- Show children the safest
places to be in each room when an earthquake hits. Also show them all possible
exits from each room.
- Use sturdy tables to teach
children to Duck, Cover & Hold.
- Teach children what to do
wherever they are during an earthquake (at school, in a tall building,
outdoors).
- Make sure children's
emergency cards at school are up-to-date.
- Although children should not
turn off any utility valves, it's important that they know what gas smells
like. Advise children to tell an adult if they smell gas after an earthquake.
Before an Earthquake
- Eliminate hazards. Make it
as easy as possible to quickly get under a sturdy table or desk for protection.
- Anchor special equipment
such as telephones and life support systems. Fasten tanks of gas, such as
oxygen, to the wall.
- Keep a list of medications,
allergies, special equipment, names and numbers of doctors, pharmacists and
family members. Make sure you have this list with you at all times.
- Keep an extra pair of
eyeglasses and medication with emergency supplies.
- Keep walking aids near you
at all times. Have extra walking aids in different rooms of the house.
- Put a security light in each
room. These lights plug into any outlet and light up automatically if there is
a loss of electricity. They continue operating automatically for four to six
hours, and they can be turned off by hand in an emergency.
- Make sure you have a whistle
to signal for help.
- Keep extra batteries for
hearing aids with your emergency supplies. Remember to replace them annually.
- Keep extra emergency
supplies at your bedside.
- Find two people you trust
who will check on you after an earthquake. Tell them your special needs. Show
them how to operate any equipment you use. Show them where your emergency
supplies are kept. Give them a spare key.
During and After an Earthquake
- If you are in bed or sitting
down, do not getup.
- If you are standing, duck
and cover or sit down. You could be thrown to the floor if you are standing.
- Prepare to be
self-sufficient for at least three days.
- Turn on your portable radio
for instructions and news reports. For your own safety, cooperate fully with
public safety officials and instructions.
- Prepare for aftershocks.
- If you evacuate, leave a
message at your home telling family members and others where you can be found.
Tips for the Physically Challenged
Before an Earthquake
- Set up your home, apartment
or workplace so that you can quickly get under a sturdy desk, table or other
safe place for protection. Identify doorways that do not have doors in which
you can take cover.
- Maintain a list of
medications, allergies, special equipment, names and numbers of doctors, pharmacists and
family members with you at all times.
- Keep extra medication with
your emergency
supplies.
- Keep extra emergency
supplies at your bedside and by your wheelchair.
- Have walking aids near you
at all times.
- Place extra walking aids in
different rooms of the house.
- Put a security light in each
room. These lights plug into any outlet and light up automatically if there
is a loss of electricity. They continue operating automatically for four to six
hours, and they can be turned off by hand in an emergency.
- Have a whistle near you to
signal for help.
- Find two people you trust
who will check on you after an earthquake. Tell them your special needs. Show
them how to operate any equipment you use. Show them where your emergency
supplies are kept. Give them a spare key.
During an Earthquake
- If you are in bed or out of
a wheelchair, stay where you are and cover your head and neck.
- If you are in a wheelchair,
stay in it and go into a doorway that doesn't have a door. Cover your head and
neck with your hands.
- Prepare to be
self-sufficient for at least three days.
- Turn on your portable radio
for instructions
and news reports. For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials
and instructions.
- Prepare for aftershocks.
- If you evacuate your home,
leave a message
at your home telling family members and others where you can be found.
