What to do before an Earthquake part 2 of 6

This is the second installment in a series of six

ways to plan ahead.

What to Do Before an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

• Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
• Against an inside wall.
• Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
• In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
• Secure all furniture and other items that could fall or become missles that could injure people

For more information go to http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm

Michael Skyler is an owner of the Earthquake Supply Center, an earthquake and emergency preparedness supply center. For information and supplies contact him at 415.459-5500 or visit http://www.earthquakesupplycenter.com

Keep a survival kit with you in your car at all times!

What to Do Before an Earthquake

This is the first installment in a series of six ways

to plan ahead.

1- What to Do Before an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Ways to Plan Ahead

Check for Hazards in the Home

• Fasten shelves securely to walls.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
• Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
• Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

For more information go to http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm

Michael Skyler is the owner of the Earthquake Supply Center, an earthquake and emergency preparedness supply center.  For information and supplies contact him at 415.459-5500  or visit http://www.earthquakesupplycenter.com

A Big Quake and Your Phones

A Big Quake and Your Phones

After the coming big quake, if your phones work, use the phone and
not your car! A few tips:

- Change your voice mail message to state that you are safe

- Before the quake, make sure that all your family knows a single
relative or friend who lives outside California that you can
contact to say you are fine. This way, fewer calls are needed on
jammed “in-State” phone lines.

- You may have to wait a bit longer for a dial tone after a quake.
Be patient. Don’t just hang up and try again.

- Keep change or a pre-paid phone card in your wallet.

Make your home secure and your family safe.

Michael Skyler is the owner of the Earthquake Supply Center an earthquake preparedness consulting service and emergency preparedness survival kit and supplies center. Contact him at 415.459-5500 or visit http://www.earthquakesupplycenter.com

Thank you to Larry Guillot of Quake Prepare for his contribution to this blog

Earthquake Preparedness: KEEP A KIT IN YOUR CAR