Update #2: 27 Aug 14 -- I've taken the liberty of sprinkling a few added thoughts, here and there, based on my own training and life-experiences -- which I hope will add even greater value to this excellent, typically public-spirited offering from our Mayor Evola, -- David Nelson
Scope: Unlimited
WHAT TO DO IN AN EARTHQUAKE!!
A Message from Mayor Sal Evola, Pittsburg, CA
Below are some important tips to remaining safe before, during and after a major earthquake:
A. Before an Earthquake:
In other words, imagine what it would be like to actually experience these nasty events (YouTube, Google, and Wikipedia, among other things, are invaluable). Imagine all the things that might go wrong -- especially since they have done so to others -- learn from the lessons others have paid such high-cost for us to know. Then provide for all those things you wouldn't like to have happen to your or yours -- DN- Check your home for earthquake hazards, and secure items that may be vulnerable to shaking.
- Bolt down or provide other strong support for water heaters and other gas appliances, since fire damage can result from broken gas lines and appliance connections.
- Place large or heavy objects on the lower shelves. Securely fasten shelves to walls. Brace or anchor high or top-heavy objects.
- Keep a 7-10 day supply of food and water. To maintain freshness it is important to rotate this stock periodically.
- Hold occasional home earthquake drills in your household to provide help, avoid injury and panic during an earthquake.
- Create a family emergency communications plan and make sure everyone knows what to do. Take a few minutes with your family to establish a plan for how and when to reunite after an earthquake.
- Teach responsible members of your family how to turn off electricity, gas, and water at the main switch and valves.
- Provide responsible members of your family basic first aid and C.P.R. training. Call Red Cross Safety Services for information about training classes.
- Keep a flashlight and a battery-powered transistor radio in the home, ready for use at all times. Keep fresh batteries with these items.
B. During an Earthquake:
In other words, protect yourself from things that could shake loose (the forces are awesome), fall and crush something important -- aided by other destroyers which fate might choose to throw into the mix. We are not always likely to think fast enough to meet sudden threats -- hence, having a plan in mind, developed while cool thought is still possible -- re-programming ourselves (and loved ones) to do the right thing AUTOMATICALLY -- training our REFLEXES -- is a most sensible precaution -- and is even a most interesting, fun exercise of our mental faculties and teamwork -- DN
DROP — DROP down to the floor.
COVER — Take COVER under a sturdy piece of furniture. If that is not possible, seek COVER against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors, or tall furniture.
HOLD — If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it. HOLD the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.
- If you’re in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, and you are not near a desk or table, move against an interior wall, and protect your head with your arms. Do not use the elevators.
- If you’re OUTDOORS, move to a clear area, away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.
- If you’re on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
- If you’re DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
- If you’re in a CROWDED STORE, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
- If you’re in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.
- If you’re in the KITCHEN, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboards.
- If you’re in a STADIUM or THEATER, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over.
C. After an Earthquake:
In other words, it ain't over till it's over -- and few of us can be absolutely certain exactly when the whole drama is truly over. And, things might be still being going on -- which we would certainly take care of -- had we only known, in good time -- that they are happening or about to do so. The quake was surely a surprise -- and may be a terrible gift that keeps on giving us sharply-surprising blows, for a while -- DN
1. Check for injuries to your family and your surrounding neighbors. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in danger of further injury.
2. Check for fires or fire hazards.
3. If indoors, check the structural aspects of the building, if any part of the structure appears to be unsafe, evacuate the building until a more detailed inspection can be made. Buildings that are damaged by the main shock could receive additional damage from aftershocks.
4. Wear shoes in all areas near debris or broken glass.
5. Do not touch downed power lines or objects touched by the downed wires.
6. Immediately clean up spilled medicines, drugs, and other potentially harmful materials. Use extreme caution when cleaning up spilt chemicals, they may have mixed with other chemicals during shaking and could cause harmful effects. Open windows to provide ventilation. If you begin to feel any effects from the material that you are handling, stop what you're doing and seek medical help.
7. Check for damaged utilities. Inspect for leaking gas lines by smell only; do not use candles, matches, or other open flames. If you smell gas, open all windows and doors so gas can escape. Shut off the main valve at your gas meter, leave the house immediately, and notify authorities of the leak. Do not re-enter the house until repairs have been made and the dwelling has been declared safe. If water pipes are broken, shut off the main valve which brings water into the house. If the house is properly wired, internal trouble with the electricity is very unlikely. If there is a short circuit, turn off the electricity at the meter box.
8. If water is off, emergency water may be obtained from melted ice cubes, from canned vegetables, from toilet tanks (if no bluing or sanitizing chemicals have been added), from swimming pools and spas, and from water heaters (strain this water through a clean handkerchief first).
9. Check to see that sewage lines are intact before permitting continued flushing of toilets.
10. Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass. Liquids can be strained through a clean handkerchief or cloth if the danger of glass contamination exists.
11. If power is off, check your freezer and plan meals to use up foods which will spoil quickly.
12. Use outdoor charcoal or propane broilers for emergency cooking. Do not bring these items indoors. The accumulation of fumes from their use can be deadly.
13. Do not use your telephone except for genuine emergency calls.
14. If you have a chimney, check its entire length for cracks and damage, particularly in the attic and at the roof line. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire or collapse in aftershocks. The initial check should be made from a distance. Approach chimneys with caution.
15. Check closets and storage shelf areas. Open closet and cupboard doors carefully and watch for objects falling from shelves.
16. Do not spread rumors. They often do great harm following disasters.
17. Tune-in to local radio stations for information and danger reports.
18. Do not go sightseeing. Do not use your vehicle unless there is a genuine emergency. Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
19. Be prepared for additional aftershocks. Although most of these are smaller than the main shock, some may be strong enough to cause additional damage.
20. Respond to requests for help from police, fire fighting, civil defense, and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless your help has been requested. Cooperate fully with public-safety officials. In some areas, you may be arrested for getting in the way of disaster operations.
21. Information concerning the welfare of separated family members will be handled by the American Red Cross. Do not call or go to the police or fire department for this information. If you have an emergency communications plan in place, use it instead.
The above information is provided by the Central United States Earthquake Consortium. Please pass this on to your family, friends and neighbors. Thank you and please be safe.
Sal EvolaCommittee to Elect Sal Evola for Pittsburg City Council 2014
P.O. Box 647
Pittsburg, CA 94565
ID No. 1289770
