With recent wildfires, storms, mass shootings, political differences, we seem to forget that about 25 years ago this month was the Northridge earthquake. The 6.7 quake killed 58 people and damage was reported up to 85 miles away while being felt as far away as Las Vegas!
“We are way over-due for an earthquake and we all live near an active fault line in Southern California. Now is the time to prepare, not afterwards,” reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.
How well are you prepared? Being prepared now is “key” to your survival whether an earthquake, power outages, windstorm, wildfire or any disaster natural or man-made!
What to Do Before an Earthquake
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home. Learn first aid.
- Be prepared for up to 72hrs afterwards with food, water and supplies.
- Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
- Make up a plan of where to meet your family and neighbors after an earthquake.
- Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves (they’ll fall during a quake). Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
What to Do During an Earthquake?
- Stay calm! If you’re indoors, stay inside. If you’re outside, stay outside.
- If you’re indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors. If you’re outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (things might fall off the building).
- Don’t use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don’t mix!
- If you’re in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops. Don’t use elevators (they can get stuck).
What to Do After an Earthquake?
- Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
- Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Do not touch any downed lines! Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else’s phone).
- Turn on the radio. Don’t use the phone unless it’s an emergency.
- Stay out of damaged buildings.
- Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet. Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
- Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
- Stay away from damaged areas.
- If you’re at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
- Expect aftershocks.
Remember, it’s not a matter of “if” an earthquake strikes but “when”.
Visit: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/preparedness.php for additional earthquake preparedness information!
Contact your local fire department of community Emergency Services Director for additional information.
Let’s Roll and Get Prepared!
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
