Earthquake Preparation

The term earthquake has been in the news a lot lately. Last Friday, March 28, Los Angeles had an earthquake of a magnitude of 5.1, followed by aftershocks along the California coast. Just 11 days prior, on March 17, Los Angeles had a quake at 4.4 magnitude. And, this past Tuesday, April 1, an 8.2 earthquake hit northern Chile accompanied by a huge aftershock on Wednesday night, April 2.

Both Los Angeles and Chile lie along what’s known as the ?Ring of Fire,? a circle of quake-prone areas on the Pacific Rim. Experts say there is a chance that California may be moving into a higher level of earthquake activity and we should expect and prepare for more occurrences (news video). Currently, seismologists are working with innovative technology to determine when an earthquake will happen, for both the time of quake and the magnitude of the quake. The ability to send that information in advance to areas where the quake will occur is crucial.

During an Earthquake

• Take cover under a sturdy table or take cover in a corner.
• Stay away from windows, exterior doors, and exterior walls.
• Don’t move around and try to exit the building: Stay in one place and take cover.

Family Preparation

• Build an emergency kit.
• Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall.
• Reinforce chosen ‘safe spots? with occasional drills.
• Make a family communication plan: Plan how you will contact one another if you are not together when the earthquake strikes.
• Hold earthquake drills: Drop, cover and hold on.

Damage Prevention in Your Home

• Install strong latches on cabinets and cupboards.
• Fasten shelves securely to walls.
• Place large, heavy, breakable items in lower cabinets/shelves with latches.
• Bolt tall furniture (shelves, bookcases, china cabinets, etc.) to wall studs.
• Hang heavy items away from beds and couches or anywhere a person may sit.
• Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
• Restrain appliances securely, especially if stored on a counter or tabletop.
• Brace overhead light fixtures and top heavy objects.
• Make sure the residence is firmly anchored to it’s foundation.
• Secure your water heater, refrigerator, furnace, gas appliances, etc. by strapping them to the wall studs and bolting to the floor.
• Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid water leaks.
• Make sure you have insurance that covers earthquakes.

Fire Prevention

• Store all flammable products in secure closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
• ?If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.
• Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas leaks.
• Brace propane tanks and gas cylinders.

Alert Disaster Restoration is your source for all things restoration. As always, we are alert and ready to help whenever a disaster strikes. Call us at: 1 (877) 435-8117.