Earthquake 101

With all of the earthquakes (albeit small ones) going on around Reno in the past couple months or so, it doesn't hurt to be prepared the best you can if the big one comes. We opened up the phones lines today and talked to listeners about it and we found cool tips online for you to check out and keep in mind...just in case!


How to Survive an Earthquake...What to do before, during and after an earthquake, and preparing an earthquake survival kit for your home, automobile, and office.

WHAT TO DO
PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY NOW!

Have an earthquake survival kit on hand.

All family members should know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity.

Plan family emergency procedures, and make plans for reuniting your family.

Know emergency telephone numbers (doctor, hospital, police, 911, etc)

Anchor heavy objects to walls (bookcases, wall units, mirrors, cabinets, etc.)

Never place heavy objects over beds, and keep heavy objects lower than head height of shortest member of family.


DURING AN EARTHQUAKE STAY CALM

Inside, stand in doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, well away from windows or glass dividers.

Outside, stand away from buildings, trees, telephones and electrical lines.

On the road, drive away from underpasses and overpasses; stop in safe area; stay in vehicle.


AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

Check for injuries-provide first aid.

Check for safety-check for gas, water, sewage breaks; check for downed power lines and shorts; turn off appropriate utilities.

Check for building damage and potential problems during aftershocks.

Clean up dangerous spills.

Wear shoes

Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies.

Use telephone for emergencies, only.

Earthquake Survival Kits
SURVIVAL SUPPLIES:

Water-2 quarts to 1 gallon per person, per day.

First Aid Kit-ample, and freshly stocked.

First Aid Manual-know how to use it.

Food-canned or individually packaged;precooked, requiring minimum heat and water. Consider infants, pets, and other special dietary requirements.

Critical medication, extra eyeglasses

Can opener

Blankets

Radio-portable battery operated, spare batteries

Critical medication and eyeglasses, contact cases and supplies

Fire Extinguisher-dry chemical, type ABC

Flashlight-spare batteries and bulbs

Watch or clock-battery or spring wound.


COOKING:

Barbeque-use outdoors ONLY-charcoal and lighter, or Sterno stove

Plastic bags-various sizes, sealable

Pots-at least two

Paper plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels SANITATION

Large plastic trash bags-for trash, waste, water protection

Ground cloth
Large trash cans

Hand soap, liquid detergent, shampoo

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss

Deodorant

Feminine supplies

Infant supplies

Toilet paper

Powdered chlorinated lime-to add to sewage to disinfect and keep away insects.

Newspapers-to wrap waste, garbage; may also be used for warmth.


SAFETY

Heavy shoes for every family member

Heavy gloves for every person cleaning debris

Candles

Matches-dipped in wax and kept in waterproof container

Knife-sharp, or razor blades

Garden hose-for siphoning and fire fighting

Clothes-complete change kept dry

TOOLS

Axe

Shovel

Broom

Crescent wrench-for turning off gas main

Screwdrivers

Pliers

Hammer

Rope or bailing wire

Plastic tape

Pen and paper

Mini Survival Kit for Automobile

Non-perishable food-store in coffee cans

Boiled water

First aid kit and manual

Fire extinguisher

Blanket


Flashlight-spare fresh batteries and bulb

Critical medication, extra eyeglasses

Tools-screwdriver, pliers, wire, knife

Short rubber hose

Pre-moistened towelettes

Sturdy shoes and gloves


Your emergency supplies should be adequate for at least 72 hours (3 days).
A 10-day supply of water, food, and medicine is recommended.