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Earthquake Preparedness: Are You Ready For 6.7?
To be honest, I am not prepared for the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that has been predicted to occur with more than 99 percent certainty within the next 30 years somewhere in California.
I have some “survival” supplies at home, but this is primarily because of my interest in camping. I have tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, flash lights, waterproof matches, propane and other camping gear I could use following an earthquake. I can filter and sterilize water if I need to, and I have enough canned food to last a few days. Most importantly I have a few bottles of Chardonnay and a deck of cards to pass the time.
A recent report sponsored by the US Geological Survey, the California Geological Survey and the Southern California Earthquake Center concludes that a 6.7 magnitude earthquake will occur along one of the many faults in California in the next 30 years (99.7 percent chance).
Like I said, I am not prepared for such a catastrophic earthquake, but we can all take some fairly simple steps to get prepared for such a disaster.
Educate yourself. Read information available from the U.S. Geological Survey or any other agency tasked with public safety in an emergency (such as the California Office of Emergency Services). Many cities also provide free community outreach training, such as the San Francisco Neighborhood Emergency Response Team training.
Prepare your family. When the next big one strikes, how will you communicate with your family? What about your pets? Where will you go if your home is destroyed? Make an emergency plan for your family. Many of the agencies mentioned above have information on emergency planning.
Prepare for “72 hours.” The conventional wisdom recommends stocking 72 hours worth of supplies including 1 gallon of water per day per person, extra medications and food for your family and pets. Lists of recommended supplies are available online.
Prepare your home. Take steps to protect your home, such as securing your water heater, cabinets and wall hangings to minimize the damage from an earthquake. You should also consider earthquake insurance (if the astronomical premiums don’t send you to the hospital).
Do you have an ‘earthquake preparedness’ kit at home, in your car, or office? What are you doing to get prepared? Add your comment below.
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add your comment »I doubt anyone of us are ready for any Big Disastrous thing especially an Earthquake, but if we all experience one at the same time use your instincs and all else will follow. We are more protected than some wants to admit but I know for a fact that our Angels and Spirit Guides one in the same are right next to us in helping us go thru a devastating earthquake. What will be will be.If we come out alive our basic chore will be helping others less fortunate.
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Don't forget that the Mississippi/Ohio River Valley is in an Earth Quake zone. So don't think your safe just because your not on the same side of the world as China or California.
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ok
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Very good point, Patricia, about keeping the gas tank full. I do the same thing and, actually, this should be done in case of any kind of emergency.
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HI PATRICIA INDEED THE MOTHER EARTH MAGAZINE WILL INFORM YOU OF EVERYTHING FROM A TO Z IN CASE OF ANY EMERGENCY LET ALONE OUR OWN NATURAL INSTINCT
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In the early 1970's after subscribing to Mother Earth Magazine, I learned through their articles to be somewhat prepared for emergencies and since that time have always kept extra water on hand. As a senior living in Ontario, Canada now, I keep extra water plus extra canned food that can be eaten cold, extra boxes of crackers and other things that don't need to be cooked or heated. I also have flashlights, extra batteries and lots of candles(it's amazing the amount of heat a few candles will make). I also have a few of these things in my car. Here we have to worry about snow and ice storms and the odd tornado. Our Ontario provincial government and our federal government is now putting ads on the TV to be prepared to look after ourselves for at least 72 hours. Also, I try to keep car filled. When it gets to half, I fill it up.
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I live in a country also well known for its earthquakes, Chile. Thanks for the very useful information.
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I buy some food ahead like tuna fish in packages instead of in the cans just incase an earthquake hits Nevada, I have water on hand
Susan
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Great info it can be used in many natural or other disasters, thanks for the info.
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Most of these tips are also good for hurricanes. I have one other to add that I didn't see: always keep your gas tank half full. You never know when the supply could be non-existant, and you might want to get the heck out of Dodge fast!
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