It’s quite ironic how whenever an earthquake happens that we decide to prepare after the fact. Last week on Tuesday, October 30, an earthquake hit the bay area at 8:04 pm. It lasted for about 30 seconds at a magnitude of 5.6. The earthquake went through the Calaveras fault which is through the San Jose California area. After the first earthquake there have been at least 30 aftershocks that have hit the bay area. There wasn’t much damage (a few phone lines went out, and some things fell but not much was done).

Scientists do not anticipate another earthquake to occur on the Calaveras fault, but they do anticipate a big one on the Hayward fault. The Hayward fault has a big earthquake every 140 years and this October was the 139th year.

So, are we really prepared for a big earthquake? Here are some ways that you can protect both yourself and loved ones. After an earthquake, you’re going to need some essentials to live off of if your home is destroyed.

You should at least have enough supplies that will last you three days after the earthquake. Plus, you should have a kit in case of an emergency. Here is a list of supplies you will need in case of any emergency.

• Water (1 gallon/person/day)
• First aid kit and book
• Food (non-perishable and ready-to-eat)
• Can opener (non-electric)
• Blankets or sleeping bags, tent
• Portable battery-operated radio, flashlight and spare batteries
• Essential medications (at least a one week supply), extra eyeglasses
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash in small denominations
• Supplies for your children and pets
• Protective clothing, sturdy shoes, heavy gloves
• Cooking supplies
• Tool kit and adjustable wrench for turning off gas
• Duct tape
• Trash bags
• Toiletries
• Photos of family members, a book, hard candy
• Copies of any important document (birth certificates, insurance policies, property records)
• A stash of cash

These supplies will give you great help after an earthquake. But what can we do before an earthquake hits to ensure our safety?

Before an earthquake hits us we can all examine our house to secure that everything is protected and that your house won’t fall on you when an earthquake occurs.

First, you should secure all items that are fragile or heavy that can fall on you. You can do this by putting these items on a lower shelf so they won’t fall on you or break. You must as well do this in a garage because items can fall on your car.

Next you should take a look at your furniture. What if you’re sleeping and an earthquake occurs and your book shelf is right next to you. You’d probably be smashed by the shelf if you are not quick enough to move out of the way.

That’s why you must arrange your furniture so that it will not be near places where we sleep or sit such as your bed or your sofa. You also need to secure your heavy furniture to the wall with things such as nylon straps which will not allow the furniture to tip over.

You should also look at the areas of your kitchen. When an earthquake hits your cabinets are sure to be flying everywhere therefore causing glasses and other objects to fall. That’s why we can prevent this by putting child-proof latches or hook and eye latches.

You will also need to secure big appliances for you kitchen such as the refrigerator. A great way to do this is by putting earthquake appliance straps so that the fridge will not tip over or smash you against a wall. Just make sure that all your heavy items are secured so that nothing valuable to you will get damaged.

You can prepare before an earthquake will hit but what will you do when it does. For years we’ve been taught to hide under a desk and cover your head but hey have never really taught us what to do when we are at home, in a store, driving, or outdoors. There are several ways you can protect yourself during an earthquake.

When you are at home?
==> At home try to get under a sturdy desk or table, hold onto the leg and cover your head and face so you will not get hurt
==> You should not run outside which is what most people think to do. Debris falling is a major cause of injury to people.

In a store?
==> Stay away from heavy objects and duck and cover. Do not try to use the elevator or stairs.

In a crowded area?
==> If you are in a crowded area like a stadium just stay inside and don’t try to make a mad rush to the exit. If you have a seat get down on the floor and if you are standing get away from heavy objects that could hurt you.

If you are outside?
==> If your outside get in a clear area where things will not fall on you.

If you are near water?
==> If near water get to a high surface so large waves will not pull you down.

If near a building?
==> If you are near a building duck into a doorway and cover yourself so glass will not fall on you.

If you are in a car?
==> If you are in a car, stop and move away from any buildings. Just turn on the radio and listen as to where to go to next.

A scary thought is when an earthquake hits is what will happen afterwards. If it’s a big one it can cause major damage to everyone. Here are steps that you should take to ensure your safety and your family’s.

1. The first thing to do is to check if everyone is alright and if not call 911 immediately.
2. After that you can begin to check your surrounding if there are any leaks or fires so that you will be able to control the mess.
3. Then you should turn on the radio to see where you can find shelter or get help.
4. Next check on your family and others near you. Stay in a warm area and dress yourselves in warm clothing.
5. You should turn off any appliance in the house and feed your pets if you have any.
6. .Lastly gather your water and prepare food for your family. My advice is to comfort each other and be happy that you are alive.

Earthquakes can occur at any moment be sure to be prepared. Do not wait until an earthquake hits: Get started now before it’s too late. Protect your family and friends and advise them to take the steps to prepare for an earthquake. Do not wait until a disaster puts you and your loved ones in danger!

Resources

http://www.centurynational.com/pgs/claims-5.1.html

http://www.washington.edu/admin/business/oem/prepare/DisasterPrepSept2005.pdf