Great time to brush up: Seven Steps to Earthquake
Safety
As most residents of Los Angeles County may already be aware, a Magnitude
4.1 earthquake centered 1 mile North, to North West from the city of
Yorba Linda in Orange County was recorded this morning at 9:33AM (USGS
http://on.doi.gov/OMbjEv) as well as
a magnitude 4.4 earthquake which struck 11:23 p.m. Tuesday, 2 miles
north-northeast of Yorba Linda. Although it was felt in through various
parts of Los Angeles County, currently the LASD reports no significant
damage.
However, the LASD reminds the citizens of Los Angeles County that with
this incident fresh in our memories, this would be a great time to
prepare for a major earthquake.
The following information has been provided for reference:
Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety
The information on this page is from materials created by the Emergency
Survival Program (ESP) in 2006, and based on "The Seven Steps to
Earthquake Safety" in the handbook, Putting Down Roots in Earthquake
Country.
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 web site 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.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/?source=sitenav
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/links.php
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.
http://www.calema.ca.gov/LandingPages/Pages/Plan-and-Prepare.aspx
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.
http://www.espfocus.org/
(a direct link to publications)
http://www.espfocus.org/esg.htm
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 above.
http://portal.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/alertla
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.
http://snap.lacounty.gov/
LA County Fire preparedness website.
Learn what to do BEFORE an earthquake, DURING an earthquake, and AFTER an
earthquake.
http://fire.lacounty.gov/safetypreparedness/safetyprepearthquake.asp
For full details, view this message on the web.
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