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April = EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

21 April 2009

A major earthquake is one of the greatest disaster threats to the residents of the High Desert. April is designated as Earthquake Preparedness Month for Californians. There are several important considerations to be made when preparing for an earthquake:

•Plan on having enough supplies to sustain you and your family for at least 10 days. After a major earthquake, there is a good chance that firefighters and law enforcement will be too busy to take care of you and your family. Think of how you can prepare your family, home, and neighborhood.

•Prepare an emergency survival kit. It should include essentials such as: nonperishable food and water (1 gallon of water per person per day), a first aid kit, plastic garbage bags and sanitation supplies, flashlights and a portable or hand-crank radio with extra batteries, copies of important documents, tools, a fire extinguisher, clothes, sturdy shoes, and gloves. Don’t forget necessary medications (10 days supply), hearing aid batteries, and eyeglasses. Make your survival kit adequate to meet your personal needs. A smaller version of your emergency kit should also be kept in your vehicle.

•Prepare a family survival plan. Decide where and when to reunite with your family if you are apart when an earthquake occurs. Have an out-of-state contact that family members can call to report their whereabouts and condition. Discuss this plan with your loved ones and practice it at least twice a year. Keep all emergency phone numbers in your survival kit and update them twice a year.

•Prepare your pets for an earthquake by keeping their ID tags up-to-date. Store enough food and water to last each pet for at least 10 days. Prepare a shelter or evacuation plan for your pet.

•Business owners should make an Emergency Preparedness Plan for their businesses.

By being informed and prepared you can reduce your risk of death or injury in a major disaster. For more information on emergency preparedness, log on to Ready.