Earthquake On Its Way To The West Coast. Get Prepared!

Have you seen this in the news?

“Researchers say a massive earthquake and tsunami could soon strike the Northwest US coast, killing more than 10,000 people, flooding entire towns, and causing economic damages totaling $32 billion.

An alarming report published by the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission warns about the dire effects of the quake and claims that it is imminent and could strike anytime. The report, which was compiled by a group of more than 150 volunteer experts, was requested by the Oregon legislature in order to adequately prepare for the looming disaster.”

source: prisonplanet.com

Predicting earthquakes is really hard and it wouldn`t be the first time for experts to predict a disaster that never happened. That doesn`t mean they`re not good at what they do, it just means nature has its own ways that we can`t fully understand… However, the “what if” that occurs after a prediction of this sort should be enough to get us preparing for the event.

So I`m going to make a compilation of articles I published on MFSP before, to help you start preparing, just in case. Better safe than sorry, right? So here`s what you should do…

Before an earthquake hits your area

- Get informed! Read more articles, books or courses on earthquake survival. And watch some documentaries about the biggest earthquakes in history. You`ll notice a whole lot of deadly mistakes you can avoid.

- Tell your family all about earthquake survival. Of course you`ll do everything to protect them if a disaster hits your area, but you`re not a superhero. There are times when you can`t reach your family to provide help. So help them help themselves. It`s the best thing you can do for your loved ones.

- Bullet-proof your home. According to The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, here`s what you need to do to get a secure home, that won`t crash on you at the first shake.

• Bolt bookshelves, water heaters and cabinets to wall studs.
• Anchor things so they don`t move or fall during an earthquake.
• Move cabinets and tall furniture to keep them from falling on you or other family members. Anchor them to studs in the wall with steel angle brackets.
• Put heavy or breakable things on bottom shelves. You can even put “fences” or restraining wires to keep items from falling off open shelves.
• Put child-proof or swing-hook latches on bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
• Use screw-eyes or tongue-in-groove hangers to mount mirrors or pictures instead of hanging them on nails.
• Be sure that ceiling fans and light fixtures are well anchored or have earthquake safety wiring.
• Anchor computers, televisions, stereos and like items with heavy duty Velcro, at home and at work.
• Strap your water heater to anchor it to wall studs.
• Do not assume that anything is too heavy to move in an earthquake. When the ground is going up and down in waves, it bounces even the heaviest equipment into the air.

- Create an emergency plan and then practice earthquake drills with your family. It`s important that you all understand all the steps. Every detail matters when it comes to disasters…

- Check your survival kits and bug-out bags. And if you don`t have any yet, this is the time to make one for each member of your family.

- Know where and how to turn off your utilities.

- Picture your safety route. Envision “safe spots” in every room. If an earthquake strikes, could you dart under that table, or that desk, or that doorway?

- Do not block exits.

This is pretty much all you can do before the disaster. However, that doesn`t guarantee you`ll make it through. That`s why you`re going to need these great instructions from

complianceandsafety.com to help you…

Survive during the quake

source: huzzah.edublogs.org

- Know where to go.

• If you’re in a car, slow down and pull over at a clear place, far from buildings, trees, and power cords.
• If you’re outdoors, drop to the ground at a similarly clear place.
• If you’re in bed, and relatively safe from flying or falling objects, stay put and guard your head and body with your pillow and blankets.
• In a high-rise building, stay away from windows.
  • Move far from bridges and elevated highways, as these may give way.

• Never use the elevator.

- Know how to ride it out.

• “Drop, cover, and hold on tight.”
• Take cover beneath something sturdy that will protect you from flying, shattering objects.
  • Crouch beneath a heavy table or desk. If it moves and you can’t keep it in place, go with it.
  • Stay away from bookcases, wobbling furniture, glass, and exterior walls and doors.

• If possible, take cover within a doorframe, which is more stable and provides more support than any other place in the house.If there’s nothing to protect you, crouch against an interior wall and cover your head with your arms.
  • Only use a doorway which you know is load-bearing and strongly supported.

- Know when not to run.

• Don’t be alarmed; fire alarms and water sprinklers will probably go off during an earthquake.
• Don’t exit a building during an earthquake.
  • You’re most vulnerable right outside of a building—you could easily be hit by debris that is plummeting from collapsing exterior walls.
  • Know that most injuries occur when people attempt to run inside a building.

And finally, here are some…

Safety precautions after the quake

source: www.intrescue.info

- If you’re trapped, follow these earthquake safety tips:

• Never light a  match
• Don’t move.  At best, you’ll kick up dust (bad for your limited air supply); at worst, you might cause a further collapse.
• Cover your nose and mouth lightly with cloth.
• Alert others of your location:
  • Tap on a pipe or wall
  • Use a whistle
  • Shout—as a last resort. It’s dangerous, because you’ll inhale too much dust.

- Assess the situation; make sure it’s safe to move before you move. If possible, exit the building as soon as possible.

- Check for injuries (personal and those of the people around you).

- Keep clear of damaged areas.

- If you’re home, tread carefully: inspect utilities, open cabinets carefully, clean up spills, and wear protective clothes so you won’t hurt yourself amongst the debris.

- If there’s a power outage, unplug appliances.

- If you smell or have any indication of a gas leak, evacuate immediately; open doors and windows on your way out.

- If water lines or sewage lines seem to be damaged, call a plumber before using the water and toilet utilities. Meanwhile plug the bathroom and sink drains

- Look for fire, a typical hazard after an earthquake.

- Turn off the electricity if you discern frayed wires, sparks, or the scent of overheated insulation.

- Tune in to your radio or TV for information: another earthquake might be forecasted, or resources and guidelines may be broadcasted.

- Be prepared for aftershocks.

- Be alert for tsunami warnings if you’re near a coastline.

Please, don`t postpone preparing for this disaster. It`s your family`s life we`re talking about here. So take these safety measures ASAP and show your loved ones every step of your survival plan, to make sure you all make it through. Stay safe!

By Alec Deacon