Are you Earthquake ready? 30 years ago today I sat on the edge of my bed crying as the earth shock violently. My little sister and best friend jumped over the bed out of the way from a falling solid oak armoire just before it fell to the ground. It probably would have killed them if they hadn’t gotten out in time. Are you prepared if another earthquake shakes us? I’ve been hearing the next big earthquake was predicted to happen 30 years after the 1989 earthquake. Tuesday we had a small 4.8 in my hometown. It was big enough for me to grab my little one and stand in the doorway while we watched the chandeliers rock back and forth.
This made me think… are we prepared for a big quake? Unfortunately, the answer was no. So as a family we decided to put together an earthquake kit and make a plan just in case.
What’s in our Earthquake Ready Kit?
In case of a large scale earthquake we now have the following things accessible:
Water – About a gallon per person in your household. Make sure to change it out every 6 months.
Canned Food (ready to eat)- Don’t forget things expire, periodically check the expiration dates on canned food. A good rule of thumb is to do this every daylight savings. Then you can replace anything that has expired.
A Can Opener – so you can actually eat that canned food.
First Aid Kit – there are plenty of remade first aid kits you can buy online or in stores. Grab a basic one to have on hand in case of an emergency.
Battery Powered Radio
Flashlights
Extra Batteries – for both your radio and flashlights
Blankets – to keep warm in case the power goes out and you don’t have heat.
Cash – Banks may close in an emergency. Having a little cash on hand is always a good idea in an emergency.
**Tip: Keep items in a secure bin that water won’t leak through and any rodents can’t find a way in to steal your food or supplies.
Make an Earthquake Plan
It’s important to have an action plan in case of an earthquake. Especially if you have kids. Make sure to talk to them about safety. Where will you meet if you are in different parts of the house during an earthquake? If they are at school how will you reach them? Communication is key in these situations and can make a stressful situation a little more manageable and less frightening for a child. Talk about your Earthquake plan with your children every few months to make sure they remember it.
As a general rule in an earthquake you should move to an open space where there is no risk of something falling on you. An open field, the front yard away from trees, these are ideal.
If you can’t get outside, stay away from windows and things that could fall on you like furniture, pictures hanging on the walls, lamps, plates or glasses, that kind of thing.
Get out of the kitchen, if you were cooking turn the burners and stove off.
Simple Steps to Get the House Earthquake Ready
After the ’89 quake my parents secured every single piece of furniture to the wall so we wouldn’t go through dressers falling and almost crushing kids again. Today our family makes sure all furniture is secure no matter where we are living.
Put your Earthquake Kit in the garage where you can easily access it in case of an emergency.
For more tips on how to be Earthquake ready head to The American Red Cross.
Stay safe! Hopefully you’ll never have to use your Earthquake kit but its good to be prepared just in case.
