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EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS |
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The following
information is
taken from data
that is also available
on the Illinois
Emergency
Management
Agency (IEMA)
Website. |
Whether you are
in your home, a
school
classroom, a
high-rise or
other type of
building, it is
important to
know how to
protect yourself
during an
earthquake.
Practice what to
do during an
earthquake with
your family
members so you
can react
automatically
when the shaking
starts. If you
are outdoors
when the shaking
starts, get into
an open area
away from trees,
buildings, walls
and power lines.
If you are
indoors follow
these steps.
Duck
Duck or drop
down to the
floor.
Cover
Take cover under
a sturdy desk,
table or other
furniture. If
that is not
possible, seek
cover against an
interior wall
and protect your
head and neck
with your arms.
Avoid danger
spots near
windows, hanging
objects, mirrors
or tall
furniture.
Hold
If you take
cover under a
sturdy piece of
furniture, hold
on to it and be
prepared to move
with it. HOLD
the position
until the ground
stops shaking
and it is safe
to move.
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If a
major earthquake occurs, you might
be without direct assistance for up
to 72 hours. Are you prepared to be
self-sufficient? Is your family?
Your neighborhood?
Individual and Family Preparedness
-
Know the safe spots in each
room (under sturdy tables,
desks or against inside
walls).
-
Know the danger spots
(windows, mirrors, hanging
objects, fireplaces and tall
furniture).
-
Conduct practice drills.
Physically place yourself
and your children in safe
locations.
-
Learn first aid and CPR
(cardiopulmonary
resuscitation) from your
local Red Cross Chapter or
other community
organization.
-
Decide where your family
will reunite if separated.
-
Keep a list of emergency
phone numbers.
-
Choose an out-of-area friend
or relative whom separated
family members can call
after the quake to report
their location and
condition.
Home Preparedness
-
Learn how to shut off gas,
water and electricity in
case the lines are damaged.
-
Check chimneys, roofs, walls
and foundations for
stability. Make sure your
home is bolted to its
foundation. Call a licensed
contractor if there are any
questions.
-
Secure water heaters and
appliances that could move
enough to rupture utility
lines.
-
Keep breakable and heavy
objects on lower shelves.
-
Secure hanging plants and
heavy picture frames or
mirrors (especially those
hanging over beds).
-
Put latches on cabinet doors
to keep them closed during
shaking.
-
Keep flammable or hazardous
liquids such as paints, pest
sprays or cleaning products
in cabinets or secured on
lower shelves.
-
Maintain emergency food,
water and other supplies,
including medicine, a first
aid kit and clothing.
Additional information is
available from the Illinois
Emergency Management Agency
(IEMA). Click
HERE.
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