Everyone that lives in an area that is prone to earthquakes needs to consider earthquake safety well in advance of an actual event. Reducing hazards, making a plan, and creating disaster kits are all actions that should be done now. There is no place for procrastination in regard to potentially disastrous situations. Total preparation can be accomplished in a matter of days. However, the earthquake plan should be reviewed over and over again and adjustments made when necessary.
Items such as bookshelves, televisions, desktop computers, water heaters and more should be secured so they will not fall should an earthquake strike. A quick trip around your home may reveal other items that need to be secured. Doing so will not only protect your investments, but may also save your life. Falling items are one of the main causes of injuries and deaths during an earthquake.An earthquake safety plan should be written out and discussed with all family members. This can include escape routes, important phone numbers, a plan for being reunited after the quake, and more. The plan should be reviewed periodically. Consider placing a copy of the plan in the backpack that your children take to school each day. Children may easily become frightened and forget the plan, as well as important phone numbers.
Consider taking CPR or general first aid classes. Though this is not mandatory, what you learn could be used to save a life. Depending on where you live, you may even find these classes offered free of cost. Disaster preparedness classes may also be offered in your area. These are generally open to all ages, and offered for free.
Disaster kits should be assembled, and should include items such as non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a radio, first aid kit, and water. Consider also having a fire extinguisher on hand, as well as extra medication if needed. Disaster kits can be used in the case of any emergency, and therefore should be assembled regardless of where you live. There are a number of websites that sell pre-assembled disaster kits, some of which are designed to be most helpful in specific disaster situations.
Earthquake safety must be taken seriously, and now is the time to plan if you have not already done so. It can be easy to forget about earthquakes, as they can occur many years apart. However, the truth is that there is still no way to predict when they will happen, or how bad they will be. There is no reason to live in fear of the unknown so long as you are well prepared.
