E A R T H Q U A K E -- Are you prepared? Easy things YOU can do!

You & your neighbors will probably be by yourselves for 3 days!

Here's what you can do BEFORE the Quake!

1. LOCATE YOUR GAS SHUT-OFF. Know HOW to turn it off and WHEN. Store a large Crescent wrench so it is handy TO TURN OFF YOUR GAS - ONLY if you smell gas.

2. Be sure to SECURE YOUR WATER HEATER to the wall. If it falls over, not only have you lost a great water reserve, but it can tear out the gas line which puts you in great danger - with a fire and/or explosion. ==> If you immediately shut off the water from the incoming water line - AFTER the shaking stops; you've checked the people in the house; smelled for gas and fire - you have a good source of potable water).

3. SECURE these items NOW: STOVES (they will tear out gas lines); REFRIGERATORS (they have wheels); TALL pieces of FURNITURE; AND, ANYTHING OVER YOUR BED.

4. GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER - the bigger the better - and learn how to use it. (Hint: you aim at the base of the flame with sweeping side to side motion). Be sure and shake it when you change your batteries for your smoke detecters - when the time changes in the Spring & Fall.

5. FLASHLIGHT(S) with EXTRA alkaline BATTERIES stored in cool, dry place.

Get Supplies - there will be NO electricity; NO Stores open!

6. STORE 1 gallon of WATER per person for at least 3 days. Store the water in a closet. Be sure to rotate the water every year.

7. Get a WEEK'S WORTH of CANNED FOOD and Powdered Milk - don't forget the mechanical can opener.

8. Have a Portable RADIO with extra batteries. The stations will be able to help you with some of the questions you probably will have - like where to get trucked in water and where food banks are.

9. Water proof, HEAVY-DUTY PLASTIC BAGS for human waste disposal.

10. Don't let your MEDICATIONS run out. RESUPPLY BEFORE the last few pills.

11. Small bottle of Chlorine BLEACH to disinfect drinking water. LEARN how much to use!

Put important items NEXT to (NOT under) your bed!

- STURDY SHOES - and put them on BEFORE going to the rest of the house to check on others. It will be dark and there will probably be glass on the floor.

- FLASHLIGHT - at your bedside.

- 3 FOOT LONG CROW-BAR.

ALSO:
- Locate blankets;

Warm clothes;

First Aid Kit and MANUAL

Camping stove - for outdoor use ONLY!

Get INFORMED - Check your neighborhood's volunteer C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) people. PICO Neighborhood Council has several people who have gone through a seven week course and, if they can't question your question, they know where to find the answer. With them - Put together a NEIGHBORHOOD resource list of other items to SURVIVE a EARTHQUAKE!

For more information: leave a message here on this website or call P.I.C.O. Neighborhood Council at 323/692-0669 and someone in your area will call you back.

Email us
RWaters@catalystsoftware.com

Links

How you can strengthen YOUR HOME!
Organizing Neighborhoods for Earthquake Preparedness