By Daily Press staff
Recent earthquakes in California and this week’s tsunami warning, along with recent earthquakes in northern Chile, are graphic reminders that Santa Monica is “earthquake country” and a tremblor could strike at any time.
The Santa Monica Chapter of the American Red Cross reminds everyone that there are a few things you can do in advance to insure survival, reduce the chances of injuries and reduce property loss in times of such a disaster.
Prepare a home earthquake plan Prepare in advance. Talk to a professional builder or architect about securing your house to its foundation and other structural damage mitigation techniques. Buy and keep fire extinguishers handy, and obtain training from the fire department on their use. Sign up for a First Aid or CPR class at the American Red Cross of Santa Monica so you can render aid properly and effectively.
Do a safety check of the entire house. Bolt or strap down bookcases, computers, water heaters and large appliances. Install strong latches on cupboards.
Prepare a disaster supply kit including first-aid essentials, medications, canned food, at least three gallons of drinking water and a can opener. Make sure you have a working flashlight, a battery-powered radio and extra batteries. Stock special items that may be needed for infants, the disabled or the elderly. Keep special clothing such as rainwear, jackets, sturdy shoes, bedding and sleeping bags handy.
Chose a safe place in every room in the house where nothing can fall on you or your family members such as under a strong table or against an inside wall. Teach your children to “drop, cover and hold on.” Practice “drop, cover and hold on” exercises with your family at least twice a year. Designate escape routes. Make sure everyone knows how to get out of the house in case of a partial collapse, fire or other emergency.
Choose an out-of-town family contact to relay messages to loved ones if telephone service is partially down. Make sure that baby-sitters and caregivers know your emergency action plan.
When the ground starts shaking Stay calm. “Drop, cover and hold on.” Move to your safe place under a sturdy table or against an inner wall. Stay away from windows. Do not go outside where flying glass, falling debris or downed electrical lines can hurt you. If in bed, stay there, hold on and protect your head with a pillow.
If outdoors, find an area away from buildings, trees and power lines. Drop to the ground. If in a car, drive to clear area and stay in the car until the shaking stops.
When the shaking stops Check yourself and family for injuries. Extinguish small fires and eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the natural gas. When turning the gas back on, only have a gas company professional restart your service. Remember that proper clothing — long pants, sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts and gloves — can protect you from further danger or injury Listen to the radio for instructions and information. Expect aftershocks. If you feel the ground shaking again, “Drop, cover and hold on.” Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out of the house if you feel it is unsafe. Use your telephone only to report life threatening emergencies.
The American Red Cross can help The Santa Monica chapter of the American Red Cross has a number of brochures and booklets available for additional information on earthquake preparedness. The chapter also has a large number of first aid and emergency kits in various sizes, from small personal to larger family-sized kits, available for purchase. A free one-hour special presentation, “Living with Earthquakes” is now available for groups and organizations.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 17, 2005. Read the original PDF.