What to do when the earth starts shaking

The damage done recently in Napa -Photos by Scott Jones

By Susan Motander

During the coverage of the Napa earthquake, a commentator made a novel suggestion: If you are in bed when the quaking starts, roll out of bed and remain there, beside the bed. This is the “zone of safety” because the bed will prevent anything from falling directly on you. Made sense, but it was a new one.
So what should you do?
First prepare your home for a quake. Put a flashlight and sturdy shoes by everyone’s bed (why not inside an old pair of shoes for adults). Be sure the house is tied to its foundation. Bolt the water heater and other gas appliances to wall studs. Bolt tall furniture like china cabinets and bookcases to wall studs. Hang heavy items away from beds, couches or other places where people regular sit or sleep. Install strong latches on cabinets and cupboards. Be sure that you have stored large and heavy object near the floor. It is also a good idea to secure your computer and your television.
Another good thing is to learn where your gas shut off valve is. Learn how to shut this off. Gas leaks are a major concern after earthquakes as they can lead to fire.
You should also prepare or update your emergency supply kit. (see article below!) The Red Cross suggest that you “pick a safe place in each room in your house or workplace”, such as “under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcase or tall furniture that could fall on you.” They suggest that you also practice “Practice “drop, cover and hold on” in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.”
But who is really going to do this after graduating from high school? If you have children this could be a fun exercise, especially if combined with a family backyard cookout to simulate creating a meal without electricity. But at lease file the information away somewhere in your mind to recall when you need it.
SO what do you do when the shaking starts? Try to recall that “Drop Cover and Hold” thing (They now say that doorframes are no longer the strongest spot in your home- who knew). Contrary to the seismic expert who recommended rolling out of bed and remaining next to it, the Red Cross recommends that you remain in bed and protect your head with the pillow. Stay away from windows (to avoid breaking glass) and from things that could fall on you. Stay indoors until the shaking stops; then, use stairs (not elevators) when you leave the building.
If you are outside, find a safe spot away from building, power lines, trees or street lights (things which could fall on you), and drop to the ground and stay there.
If you are in a car, pull over into a safe spot. In this case, avoid bridges, overpasses, and power lines. If, heaven forbid, a power line falls on your car, do not get out. Wait for assistance to arrive. The Red Cross also suggests: “If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.”
After the earthquake, be aware that there will be aftershocks. Treat each one like the first quake was a pre-shock (it is possible, even with a big quake).
Immediately after the quake, check for injuries to yourself or those around you. Get first aid if necessary. Put on long pants, a long sleeved shirt and shoes (this will prevent injuries from broken objects. If you are at home, look for damage and ensure the safety of the rest of the family. Get out of the house, if it is damaged. Listen to the radio for emergency information and instructions. Check phones for a dial tone (the only calls you make should be if there is an emergency or brief ones to report real emergencies (Trust me, the sops know there was a an earthquake – you don’t need to tell them).
Look around for small fires and extinguish them. Clean up spilled medications, bleach, gasoline or any other flammable liquids.
There are some major cautions as well: Stay away from downed power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damages areas or buildings that have been “tagged” as dangerous. If you are away from home, return only when it is safe. Be careful when checking for damage (things may have sifted in closets or cupboards and may come falling out when you open them). Be aware that walls, stairs and doors may not be as sage as when you let.
Remember, traffic lights may not be working, so take extra care when driving.

Have you updated your Emergency Preparedness Kit?
By Susan Motander

Whenever an earthquake strikes anywhere in the world, most especially when is occurs here in California, use it as a reminder to update your emergency preparedness kit. What? You live in California and don’t have one? Are you crazy or just new to the area? Everyone should have at least some sort of emergency kit (better yet have two, one in your car and one at home). And everyone in the house should know where it is.
Assuming you have a kit, check the dates on items that may expire such as medications. Look at the date on the food and change out the water. (Hey, since we are in a drought, water your plants the old stuff and buy fresh water for the kti).
If you do not have a kit, prepare one now. Do not hesitate or merely plan. This is California; there will be another earthquake. The only questions are where and when.
Great ideas for what should be in your kit are available on line form the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit). The following is a distillation of those ideas:
Food and water for at least three days packed and ready to leave (in case of evacuation) and two weeks at home (in case you are on your own).
A flashlight (I keep one in a old pair of sturdy shoes under the bed -easy to find and convenient as earthquakes always seem to happen in the middle of the night) and a battery operated radio along with extra batteries for each)
A first aid kit and a seven day supply of any medications you or family members take.
Multi-purpose tool (I assume this means one of those hammer/ax type things and not my Swiss army knife – although that is a good thing to have as well)
Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies (read for this toilet paper, tampons and hand sanitizer)
Copies of important personal documents such as prescriptions, proof of address, deed/lease (proof you belong where you are), passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone and charger
List of emergency contact numbers for family
Cash (ATMs may not be working)
Emergency blanket
The red cross also suggest you have a map. Since you are supposed to remain in place, this might seem strange, but since you will probably be listening to that portable radio. The map will help you to relate to the information on the radio.
That group is the basic list, but there may be other issues. Is there an elderly member of the family? What about hearing aid batteries (if you have ever tried to communicate with an elderly parent whose “ears” aren’t working, you know the importance of this item). What about a baby; they have special supply needs as well. If there are children in the house, consider not electronic games to keep them occupied. The pet family members will also have special needs (many dogs are traumatized by earthquakes and cat are easily spooked as well).
The Red Cross also suggests perhaps a two way radio this will require advance planning) and extra sets of car keys. These are more up to you and your kneed situation. But eh final suggestion is a true necessity: a manual can opener. All that canned food in the pantry is useless unless you can open them.
There are other items that are a good idea to have in one place: a whistle, N95 or surgical masks, matches, rain gear, towels, work gloves, tools/supplies for securing your home. extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, household liquid bleach, entertainment items, blankets or sleeping bags. Most of these items are in your home, but where is the question. Perhaps this would be a good time to pull this group together in a central location.
Remember, in California earthquakes are a regular occurrence and need not be a total disaster. Follow the Boy Scout’s Motto: BE PREPARED.

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