Preparing For An Earthquake

Your best defense against an earthquake is careful preparation. By acquainting yourself with the likely possibilities now, you'll be less likely to be unpleasantly, and possibly dangerously, surprised later.

With no electricity, you'll need batteries. A lot of them. Keep plenty of flashlights and a portable radio at hand. It may be your only contact with the outside world for news and information.

You'll need a fire extinguisher to stop small fires and a pipe wrench turn off broken gas lines. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous, so take the necessary precautions. (Smell for gas, have a wrench to turn off the gas in the event of a leak, open windows for ventilation and do not use flame materials such as matches, lighters, cigarettes and candles.)

With no sewage lines, you'll want plastic bags for garbage and human waste.

You'll need a first aid kit. It's also a good idea to keep extra prescription medications around, as well as an extra pair of eyeglasses.

• If the quake occurs at a time when your family is not all together, where will you meet?
• If someone is injured, do you have basic knowledge of first aid?
• Frequently, power lines are knocked down. How will your family manage without power? When the lights are out, will you be able to find the supplies you need in the dark?
• Earthquakes frequently break water lines. What will you do in a water shortage?
• The phone lines will certainly be out or overloaded with life-and-death emergencies. Does your family have an emergency communication plan?
• If the sewage lines are out and you can't use the toilet, do you know what to do?
• If your gas line is broken, do you know how to shut it off?

You should also ask your family the following questions. And then prepare using the checklist of earthquake supplies.