Did any of you feel the earthquake the other afternoon? The earthquake occurred at 4:53 PM on July 7th, 2010. It was a 5.9 magnitude quake, approximately 28 miles from Palm Springs and 58 miles from San Diego, CA. Here are some Earthquake tips to keep in mind during and after an earthquake:
Safety Measures
Take the following safety measures to try to minimize the damage caused by quakes. Keep enough food and drinking water in storage. Safety blankets are also a must. You can also take simple steps to earthquake proof your home on a pretty small budget, for example: secure your cabinets with child proof latches affix your furniture to your walls with velcro straps, keep your bed away from windows and exterior walls, get your foundation inspected to make sure your structure doesn’t have a shift.
During
If Inside - The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of a quake is to try to leave the building because of the falling objects. Find a heavy object inside, and stay under it until it’s over.
In a Car-If you’re in your car during a quake, stop in the first available open area and stay inside until the quake is over. Most quakes only last a few seconds - the longest seconds of one’s life. Once the shaking stops, move with caution and avoid any bridges or overpasses and ramps that may have unseen damage.
If Outdoors - If you’re outside when an earthquake starts, move into the most open area available, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires. Once in the open, just stay there until the shaking stops.
Home/Office- While earthquake only last a few seconds, it can seem like forever. If you live with others, or are at work its best to round everyone up into a central location. It’s easier if you have a prearranged meeting spot ahead of time, and you might consider conducting a periodic "drill" -- just like a fire drill. Aftershocks normally follow within minutes, although it could be longer. You might keep housemates/co-workers together for 15 minutes in preparation before dispersing.
After
Aftershocks - Be prepared for aftershocks which normally occur within seconds or minutes of the first quake. Although they are not generally as powerful as the original quake, they can still cause more damage. If you have already found a fairly safe place to be, it’s best to remain there.
Pets - The behavior of pets often changes dramatically after a quake. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive, so watch them closely and leash and/or pen them in a fenced yard if possible.
Electricity - After an earthquake, you should check for electrical damage. If you see sparks or broken, frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker ASAP. If the area around the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, you may want to get advice from an electrician first before going near it.
Clean Ups - If you’re allowed back into your home, clean up any spilled liquids: medicines, bleaches, gasolines or other possibly flammable substances as quickly as possible. But, if you should smell any gas or fumes of a chemical nature, GET OUT of there ASAP.
Gas - In the aftermath of an earthquake, check your home for gas leaks by using your sense of smell. If you hear a blowing or hissing noise, or smell gas, ventilate the area if possible and get out of the house. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from an outside phone. It’s currently recommended to only turn the gas off if you hear or smell gas. Otherwise, leave it be. Many explosions have resulted from turning gas off unnecessarily.
It’s a smart idea to always have Survival Kit Container In most cases you can build a better quake survival kit, for less money, than you could purchase one. Ideally, you would like enough supplies to last at least 3 days. So you need a large sturdy container, such as a rubber trash can. For more questions on earthquake safety or how to earthquake proof your home send me a message and I will be more than happy to help you out.
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