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EARTHQUAKE
An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth's surface. Earthquakes can cause buildings and bridges to collapse, telephone and power lines to fall, and result in fires, explosions and landslides.
The following information includes general guidelines for earthquake preparedness and safety. It is recommended that you contact your local emergency management office, local health department, or American Red Cross chapter.
What to do before an earthquake
Know the terms associated with earthquakes.
Aftershock -an earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows the main earthquake.
Fault- the earth's crust slips along a fault- an area of weakness where two sections of crust have separated. The crust may only move a few inches to a few feet in a severe earthquake.
Epicenter- the area of the earth's surface directly above the origin of an earthquake.
Seismic Waves- are vibrations that travel outward from the center of the earthquake at speeds of several miles per second. These vibrations can shake some buildings so rapidly that they collapse.
Magnitude- indicates how much energy was released. This energy can be measured on a recording device and graphically displayed through lines on a Richter scale. A magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter Scale would indicate a very strong earthquake. Each whole number on the scale represents an increase of about 30 times the energy released. Therefore, an earthquake measuring 6.0 is about 30 times more powerful than one measuring 5.0.
Look for items in your home that could become a hazard in an earthquake:
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Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility connections.
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Bolt down water heaters and gas appliances (have an automatic gas shut-off device installed that is triggered by an earthquake).
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Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Fasten shelves to walls. Brace high and top-heavy objects.
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Store bottled foods, glass, china and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that can fasten shut.
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Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.
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Check and repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice, especially if these are signs of structural defects.
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Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation.
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Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.
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Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Check with your local utilities for instructions.
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Hold earthquake drills with your household. Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by physically placing yourself and your household in these locations. Identify danger zones in each room - near windows where glass can shatter, bookcases or furniture that can fall over, or under ceiling fixtures that could fall down.
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Develop a plan for reuniting your household after an earthquake. Establish an out-of-town telephone contact for household members to call to let others know that they are okay.
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Review your insurance policies. Some damage may be covered even without specific earthquake insurance. Protect important home and business papers.
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Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water.