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Earthquake Preparedness
Plan to Survive
The key to surviving any disaster is planning. By taking the steps listed below, you can increase your chances of surviving the Big One!
Look at your home or work place with "earthquake eyes." Earthquakes can last from mere seconds to as long as 4 or 5 minutes!. What do you need to do to prevent injury and damage? Experts say there is a 70% chance of a 7.0 or greater magnitude earthquake in the next 30 years. You need to prepare now. If you wait until the earthquake hits it will be too late! Remember it may be 72 hours or longer before relief will be available.
Secure Furniture and Water Heater
Secure water your heater with plumber's tape or medium gauge metal strapping to wall studs with lag screws or 16-penny nails. The metal strapping should be placed approximately 18 inches from the top of the water heater, and the second strap should be about 24 inches from the bottom of the water heater.
Secure bookcases and other heavy furniture to walls. Kitchen cabinet doors should be latched so that heavy dishes cannot fall out.
Know How to Shut-off Utilities
- Know where the main shut-off is for your electrical power and how to turn it off in case of any emergency.
- Keep a wrench that will fit your gas valve near the gas meter. This will shut off your natural gas supply in case of an emergency. Do not turn the gas valve back on. Wait for PG&E to do this for you.
- Know where the main shut-off is for the water to your house. To turn the water off, turn the handle fully to the right (clockwise).
Stock Home Emergency Supplies
Quantities of emergency supplies should be adequate for at least 72 hours. A two-week supply of water, food, medicine and other consumable items is recommended as a minimum reserve.
Survival
- Water - 2 quarts to 1 gallon per person per day
- First Aid Kit - ample and freshly stocked
- First Aid Book (American Red Cross, Standard First Aid and Personal Safety)
- Can opener (non-electric)
- Blankets or sleeping bag for each member of family
- Radio - portable, battery-operated
- Spare batteries
- Essential medication and glasses
- Fire Extinguisher - ABC type
- Flashlight - fresh and spare batteries and bulb
- Watch or clock - battery or spring wound
- Smoke detector - battery-operated
- Escape ladder - for second story of home
- Food for pets
- Money
Sanitation Supplies
- Large plastic trash bags for trash, water, water protection and ground clothes
- Bar soap
- Liquid detergent
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Pre-moistened towelettes
- Deodorant
- Denture cleanser
- Feminine supplies
- Infant supplies
- Toilet paper
- Powdered chlorinated lime - add to sewage to deodorize, disinfect and keep away insects
- Newspaper, to wrap garbage and waste
- Household bleach
Safety and Comfort
- Sturdy shoes for every member of the family
- Heavy gloves for every person cleaning debris
- Candles
- Matches - dipped in wax and kept in waterproof container
- Clothes - complete change kept dry
- Knife or razor blades
- Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting
- Tent
- Hat or cap - protection from sun, rain or cold
Cooking
- Barbecue - hibachi, camp stove, chafing dish, fireplace, etc.
- Fuel for cooking equipment - charcoal, lighter fluid, fuel for camp stove, presto logs
- Plastic knives, forks, spoons
- Paper plates and cups
- Paper towels
- Heavy duty aluminum foil
Refer to the telephone directory for additional preparedness information. If you have further questions please call the American Red Cross or your local Fire Department.
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