How can I prepare for an EarthQuake?
Years ago I bought a BIG BIG tub and filled it with all the items I found on a list to prepare my family for the just in case there is an Earthquake. Over the years the box has emptied out of many expired items. I have never updated or refilled it. However, after observing the incredible devastation in Haiti I am reminded once again of the importance of being as prepared as possible for the possibility of a natural disaster.Over the next few days we will share ideas with you on preparing your family for an Earthquake.
How can I prepare?
from: The Red Cross- Become aware of fire evacuation and earthquake plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly.
- Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
- Practice drop, cover and hold on in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed.
- Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation.
- Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.
- Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.
- Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
- Brace overhead light fixtures.
- Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
- Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.
- Learn about your area’s seismic building standards and land use codes before you begin new construction.
- Keep and maintain an emergency supplies kit in an easy to access location
Labels: Home Keeping, Parenting, Safety
posted by 24/7 MOMS @ 11:47 AM
2 Comments:
My earthquake supplies are in dismal shape too. We had them pretty good at our old house, but cleaned them out before a move as many were close to expiration anyhow. It just hasn't been quite in the budget to refill them, and I really just need to make room somehow.
On the plus side, the house we're in now is much newer. The minus is that we definitely get more little quakes here (Yucaipa, used to be in Poway). It's quite the reminder to be prepared.
I'd like to add to your great post if I can.
Find out if your homeowner or renter's insurance includes Earthquake damage or total destruction. Unless you live in a state that has frequent earthquakes and it's required in the policy, it is likely you do not.
You need to ask for it specifically with your insurance company. It is usually very reasonable. Our policy cost only went up about $112 a year. We don't live in an earthquake prone area, but you never know. Earthquakes can happen anywhere, not just by fault lines.
I just feel safer with the policy on board.
You've seen in the recent years how people can lose everything from an unexpected earthquake.
Earthquakes are increasing in frequency all over the world and the magnitudes seem to be increasing as well. It is just better to be safe than sorry.
So I think the steps above in this post are great and then just add on checking on your homeowners or renter's policy with your insurance agent.
It doesn't hurt to pray everynight that no natural or man made horrendous experiences happen to you or the belongings the Lord God lets you use while on this earth either.
God Bless. Prepare. Be Safe.
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