Be Prepared

The recent aftershocks to the Northridge earthquake--including one of 5.0 magnitude--was a wake-up call to residents warning them to be prepared. In the three years since the 6.8 magnitude quake, many have taken precautions by retrofitting their homes, assembling emergency kits and securing household items.

In the wake of continuing aftershocks, it is a good time to replenish those quake supplies, reexamine homes for danger spots and perhaps take a CPR or disaster preparedness refresher course. And since household members may be away from home and separated during a quake, having a post-quake plan for families is a good idea, possibly using an out-of-state relative or friend that family members can call.

Assembling Your Quake Kit

Part of being prepared entails putting together an emergency supply kit to use in the days following a quake, when utilities may be out and stores closed. Three separate kits--for home, car and work--can be assembled. A rule of thumb is to check or replenish supplies when clocks are changed to or from daylight-saving time, twice a year. Items can be stored in a container such as an airtight trash barrel. Experts recommend that a home kit have a one-week supply of food per person and one gallon of water per person per day for a week.

Supplies:

Water

Water purification tablets

Instant food (cereal, crackers and cookies)

Dry food (pasta, rice)

Canned food

Flashlight

Portable radio

Batteries and tester

Manual can opener

Food and water for pets

Extra eyeglasses

Extra clothing, shoes

Tarpaulin, blanket

Work gloves

Camping stove and fuel

First aid kit: antibiotic ointment; bandages; gauze and tape; aspirin, scissors; tweezers; rubbing alcohol; cotton balls; instruction booklet; extra prescription medication

Strap It Down: Fasten items such as televisions and stereo equipment to their stands with safety straps and buckles. Tall furniture such as bookcases should be attached to wall studs using metal L-braces or nylons straps.

Heads Up: Don’t hang heavy, framed pictures over beds or sofas.

Latch It Closed: Secure cabinet doors with latches. Prevent books and other shelf items from falling off of open shelves by stretching a strap or bungee cord across the case. Always keep breakable and heavy objects on lower shelves.

Shutting Off Utilities: Learn and teach all household members how to shut off gas, water and electricity.

Stick It On: Adhere breakable glass, ceramic and pottery to surfaces with special putty that hardens but is removable so object can be moved.

Strapping A Water Heater: Water heaters should be strapped to wall studs to prevent them from falling during a quake. A plumber can perform this service and Southern California Gas Company puts out a brochure with instructions on doing it yourself.

Windows and Sliding Glass Doors: Windows and sliding glass doors not made of safety glass can be covered with a strong mylar film to prevent them from shattering.

Have A Plan: A quick tour of a home can reveal many potential hazards. Areas to stay away from during a quake include windows, mirrors, fireplaces, hanging objects and tall furniture. Safe spots are under desks, sturdy tables or against inside walls.

For More Information:

American Red Cross puts out brochures and gives presentations on earthquake preparedness. Call (213) 739-5200. Southern California Earthquake Center puts out a booklet called “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.” Call (213) 740-1560.