Earthquake Emergency Preparedness For Everyone
Earthquakes are common emergencies that may occur due to natural reasons or due to human activity. The energy of the Earth is released creating seismic waves of huge power. Earthquakes are graded by the Richter scale from 1 to 10. Earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 are the ones that lead to serious damage on large areas. Such earthquakes could also provoke tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides.
Most earthquakes cause severe damage to everyone who lives on the surrounding land. They may lead to the disappearance of basic goods like food, water and shelter. Earthquakes often result in destruction of roads, bridges and the collapse of buildings. Severe earthquakes also lead to the loss of human, animal and plant life which is definitely the worst outcome of this type of disasters.
Theoretically, earthquakes could occur anywhere in the world. But there are areas which are more prone to these seismic events than others. And people who live in such geographic areas should always be prepared to earthquakes. Earthquakes preparedness includes several measures that could minimize the risks from an earthquake.
To achieve earthquake preparedness you should always have a three day emergency kit on hand. This kit should be kept in your car, near the front door in your house or in any other place within easy reach.
Developing and practicing an emergency exit plan is also an essential part of earthquake preparedness. Having a neighborhood emergency plan could also be very helpful.
Examine your house and make sure that all heavy items, book shelves and other furniture are securely fixed to the walls. Make sure that heavy screws are used to fix them. It is also advisable to keep heavy and dangerous object as close to the floor as possible.
To reduce the risk of fire it is better to use fluorescent bulbs and to avoid incandescent ones.
Another important tip is to have a good flashlight and a set of additional batteries always on hand. The same goes about cordless radio to make sure you will be informed on all updates and emergency conditions.
To prevent negative outcomes you need to be able to shut off the gas and the water in your home. Make sure you know how to do this and have all required tools near the valves.
A sufficient number of fire extinguishers should also be found at your house. You should keep them at the different ends of your home. Make sure all your family members know how to use fire extinguishers in the case of fire.
In most cases it is impossible to get urgent medical help during emergencies. That is why make sure you know how to treat basic injuries and health problems.
This planet gets nasty – time to be prepared. Find out more about food storage – this info can save your life and the lives of other people you care about. Visit this food storage blog for interesting updates in the food storage industry.
