Earthquakes occur worldwide every single day. The U.S. Geological Survey reported 196 earthquakes worldwide between the seventh and fourteenth of February 2011. Most of these earthquakes aren’t felt because they are either a low magnitude or they are centered at locations with low or no population.
Many earthquakes are easy to look over because they never make it into the national news. It’s important to remember that an earthquake of any magnitude could happen at anytime, and it’s always good to be prepared.
In a recent news story regarding the frequency of earthquakes over the weekend in Utah, Jim Pechmann, a seismologist at the University of Utah said, “A large, damaging earthquake could happen at any time, and [you] should be prepared for it.”
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are five steps to take to prepare for an earthquake before it happens:
1. PLAN with your family and make sure everyone knows what to do no matter where they are when an earthquake occurs:
• Establish a meeting place where you can all reunite after the earthquake
• Replace out about the earthquake plans for the children's school, day care, etc.
• Remember transportation may be disrupted, keep some emergency supplies—for example: food, liquids, and comfortable shoes—at work or school
3-Day Emergency Kit
2. KNOW where your gas, electric and water main shutoffs are and how to turn them off if there is a leak or electrical short. Make sure older members of the family know how to shut off utilities.
You should have an Emergency Gas Shut-Off Wrench on hand and all members of your family who know how to use it should know where to Replace it. Our Emergency Gas Shut-Off Wrench has helpful instructions and diagrams to show how and when you should turn off your gas.
Emergency Gas Wrench
3. LOCATE your nearest fire and police stations and emergency medical facility and list them on an emergency contact sheet that every member of your family can access.
4. TALK to your neighbors—how could they help you, as well as you help them after an earthquake?
5. TAKE First Aid and CPR training courses.
Being aware of the potential for earthquakes and staying up-to-date with current preparedness guidelines can greatly reduce the chances of serious injury, death, and damage to property. Preparing for an earthquake can also help maintain calm during a very unfamiliar experience.
Click here for additional information regarding your area and earthquake readiness.
6 comments
budandlissa
In an area where earthquakes are happening and a big one is possible, I'm really thankful for this post and the information it provides. I always assume that my husband and I would know what to do, but I think we need a refresher. Thanks!
Mario1
Alot of questions arise and are said over and over like what to put in an emergency kit if you are building one The answerscan be found in the blogs such as my reading the earthquake preparedness blog gave me a hint what to do if you are in an earthquake and one of the suggestions was to put a handkerchief over your mouth so there is one item for your kit dust masks or a handkerchief can be kept on the person. many of these things are there for you to see read the bolgs great info
Nina
Cell phone service within the earthquake zone is often overloaded. It's a good idea to have a contact out of state that everyone within the earthquake zone can call to report status.
eseberg
Water heaters are often overlooked, especially in low earthquake threat areas. They should be strapped to a wall and (if local codes allow) fitted with flexible gas and water connections.
Rebecca H.
Thanks for the reminder. We are going to have a FHE and teach everybody (including me) how to shut off the gas line & the water line.
Kristen
After all the earthquakes that have been happening in our area, it was nice to read this article. Thanks for the tips and ideas!