Earthquakes are natural disasters that give no advance warning. Because of that, there is no possibility of preparing at the time of the earthquake. If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes it is mandatory that you learn how to prepare for an earthquake ahead of time.
Develop a Plan
This is the most important thing you can do to prepare for an earthquake. Discuss an earthquake with your family, and make sure that everyone knows exactly what to do and how to react if one should hit. Everyone must remain calm. If they are inside, they should get inside a door frame and brace themselves. Stay away from windows that could break.
If they are outside, the best place to be is in an open space. Don’t get near walls or fences that may fall. Stay away from electrical lines that may snap. In case, the family is not together or someone gets separated from the rest, designate a place where everyone will meet when things calm down a bit.
Water and Food
When an earthquake occurs, there is often a shortage of food and a lack of water for a time. Roads and communications may be damaged, preventing aid from arriving right away. In order to be prepared should this happen, you need to have enough drinking water stored in plastic jugs to meet the needs of your family for several days. You can change the water from time to time to keep it fresh.
Store non-perishable food in rat and mouse proof containers. You can use totes, a 50 gallon drum with a lid or a closet lined with tin. Plan for at least a week. It is, also, a good idea to have a skillet, large saucepan, large spoon, sharp knife, spatula and can opener with the food. Since you will most likely be cooking outside, make sure to include matches in your supplies.
When you begin to plan, consider what you need to prepare the most basic meals possible for your family. Be sure to include enough plastic plates, silverware and cups for each of your family members. It wouldn’t hurt to include a bottle of dish soap, too.
Medical Supplies
Prepare a first aid kit to treat simple cuts if someone is injured. Include things such as hydrogen peroxide, cotton, different size bandages and an antibiotic cream. Make sure to include any medications that your family members use on a regular basis. Rotate these medications by using them and replacing them with the new ones you purchase.
Miscellaneous Items
Many times in an earthquake the electricity is out for a time. Purchase a wind-up flashlight that doesn’t require batteries so you will be able to see at night. Keep fresh batteries for a battery run radio on hand so you will know what is going on, and you will be able to hear any special instructions the authorities may give.
Earthquakes are known to put banks out of business for a time, meaning that you may not be able to get money from a bank teller. Include $25 with your earthquake supplies, so you can purchase simple things that you may need.
You can solution a gas shortage by keeping a couple of 20 gallon containers of gas on hand. Each month, use the stored gas and refill the containers with fresh gas.
Your home may be damaged to the point that you can’t sleep in your beds, or it may not be safe to sleep inside for a while because of the tremors that follow a major earthquake. Make sure you have a family size tent and sleeping bags for each family member. This will give you a place to sleep until you can find a better solution.
Prepare Things In Your Home
Make sure book shelves are securely fastened to the walls so they won’t fall on someone when the shaking starts. Place heavy items on low shelves and lighter items up high. This will prevent them from hitting someone. Make sure you don’t hang heavy pictures or mirrors over beds.
A major earthquake can be a major disaster. You can lessen its effect on your family by learning how to prepare for an earthquake, and being prepared ahead of time. These tips will allow you to confront the tragedy in a less stressful manner.
