Due to the recent “earthquake swarms” in Southern California, the LA Sheriffs Department re-released the “The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety” earlier today:
Video compilation of the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
Step 1: Secure it now!
Reducing and/or eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace and school can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake or other disaster. Conduct a “hazard hunt” to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computers, bookcases, furniture, unstrapped water heaters, etc. Securing these items now will help to protect you tomorrow.
Step 2: Make a plan
Planning for an earthquake, terrorist attack, or other emergency is not much different from planning for a party or vacation. Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person’s name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency.
Step 3: Make disaster kits
Everyone should have disaster supplies kits stored in accessible locations at home, at work and in your vehicle. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.
Step 4: Is your place safe?
Most houses are not as safe as they could be. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, there are things that you can do to improve the structural integrity of your home. Some of the things that you might consider checking include inadequate foundations, un-braced cripple walls, soft first stories, un-reinforced masonry and vulnerable pipes. Consult a contractor or engineer to help you identify your building’s weaknesses and begin to fix them now.
Step 5: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!
Learn what to do during an earthquake, whether you’re at home, at work, at school or just out and about. Taking the proper actions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury. During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
Step 6: Check it out!
One of the first things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques. You should be able to administer first aid and to identify hazards such as damaged gas, water, sewage and electrical lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government.
Step 7: Communicate and recover!
Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. For most Presidentially declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies.
The following links have several tips to prepare your family, yourself, and your home for a major earthquake.
USGS
This website is provided by the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program as part of our effort to reduce earthquake hazard in the United States. Prepare here!
CAL-EMA
The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) is delegated by the Governor to support and enhance all phases of emergency management which include Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Mitigation.
LA-ESP
At the Los Angeles County Emergency Survival Program’s website, you will find a great selection of useful, lifesaving materials and publications for download to share with your family, community, friends, co-workers and children. (Click here for a direct link to publications)
AlertLA
Los Angeles County has implemented an emergency mass notification system to contact County residents and businesses via recorded phone messages, text messages and e-mail during emergencies. For more information and to register your cell phone number, Voice over IP number, and e-mail address, please click the link.
SNAP LA County
The purpose of this registry is to facilitate the planning and implementation of disaster response by first-responder agencies to Specific Needs persons living in the County of Los Angeles.
LA County Fire preparedness website.
Learn what to do BEFORE an earthquake, DURING an earthquake, and AFTER an earthquake.
