Earthquake Preparation And Safety Tips

Earthquakes strike suddenly without a moments notice. Although you can never be totally prepared for one, there are some things that can be done to help keep your family as safe as possible.

As a homeowner, you should always be prepared for any emergency or disaster that may strike. There is no way to tell in advance when something ominous is going to happen so a little thought should always be put into the "what if's" of life. This is not saying that a disaster is eminent, but it does suggest that being prepared for any emergency is a good idea.

Regardless of where you live, you are not immune to the forces of nature that shape our planet. You may think that earthquakes never happen where you live, but one day, when least expected, an earthquake could strike your area and you may find yourself facing one of natures most destructive forces.

• If a major earthquake were to happen today, would you know what to expect or what to do?

If you think you do, you are not being honest with yourself. Most people who live in earthquake zones and have already experienced major earthquakes many times in the past, still don't know what to expect. An earthquake is a phenomenon that can cause major destruction and many deaths in just a matter of seconds.

The scariest thing about earthquake is that they cannot be predicted and you never know when they are going to occur. When an earthquake hits, all you can do is ride it out and hope for the best. And try not to panic! When you panic, you are subject to hurt yourself or someone else.

What can you do to prepare for an earthquake? Here are some earthquake preparation tips.

• First and foremost, learn all you can about earthquakes and talk to your family about them, especially your children.
• Falling objects, plaster, ceilings, and broken glass are major hazards that occur during earthquakes.
• Make sure that heavy objects are braced to the walls in your home or office and use magnetized cabinet door devices to keep dishes and canned goods from spilling onto the floor.
• Install heavy duty double paned windows. Broken glass is a major cause of injury during an earthquake.
• Know how to shut off gas and the electrical power supply to your home.
• Plan an escape route from your home that is clear and unobstructed.
• Keep a survival kit with first aid supplies in accessible places. It would be a good idea to always have two or more in different locations in your home and garage and one in each car.
• Prepare and execute an evacuation plan for your family and practice earthquake drills.
• Keep a supply of bottled water in your home and your cars. Learn how to extract water from your toilet tank, hot water heater, and other water containers around your home. You should also learn how to purify water using bleaching and boiling techniques.
• Although cell phones are a great source for communicating during a disaster, don't put all of your faith in them. Your cell phone provider may be knocked off the air or you may not be able to keep your cell phone charged if the electricity is disrupted.
• It is important that you keep a transistor radio and several charged batteries handy. This may be your only source of news and information for days or perhaps weeks.

Preparation for an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, or any other disaster is your best defense, especially if you have children, disabled and/or elderly people living with you. You can call your local disaster preparedness center for more information on how to protect yourself if the unthinkable happens.

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