Earthquake tips and preparation

Earthquakes can happen and change people’s lives within seconds. So you can prepare yourself and your family members by planning ahead. You also need to know what to do during an earthquake so you don’t panic during an emergency situation.

The first step for preparation is to know where all gas electric, and water shut off values are. Second you should always have an evacuation plan that includes a normal and an emergency exit route that your whole family has practiced. Also a very important thing to have prepared is an emergency kit that should include one gallon of stored water and enough food for all family members. For instance nonperishable foods like peanut butter, nuts, vitamins, and dried fruit. Other important things to include in your kit are sterile adhesive bandages and scissors and any prescription needed for each family member. It is also very important to have extra clothes ready. Like a pair of sturdy shoes, rain gear, hat, gloves, and thermal underwear last blankets or sleeping bags. Also a very important thing is if you have any pets you should have food stored for them as well as an identification tag on there collar so they can be returned to you if they get lost.

Many people don’t know what to do during an earthquake. The most important thing to do is to drop to the ground and take cover under something heavy like ducking under sturdy desks or crouch in a doorway with a blanket covering you. But you also need to stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall. Studies have shown that most injuries occur when people try to move during an earthquake. So always stay put once the earthquake has started.

So if you live in an area where you are at risk make sure you have an evacuation exit plan in case of an emergency also an emergency kit including all the important items. (ML3)