Earthquake safety: how to prepare for the next disaster

posted May 8, 2006

by Maggie Thompson of Campanile

Scientists say that it's only a matter of time before the Bay Area experiences another major earthquake, one potentially larger than any earthquake California has faced in the last century.

Less than a month ago, during the 100-year anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, people from across the Peninsula took time to reflect on one of the largest natural disasters in the history of the United States.

Now more than ever, Bay Area residents are preparing themselves for the possibility of another earthquake that could have the same destructive magnitude.

Although organizations have launched large-scale efforts to promote awareness and prepare the area for an earthquake, it is estimated that fewer than 10 percent of families in the Bay Area have disaster plans, and only about half have emergency supply kits in their homes.

Through promoting education and awareness, there are many things Palo Alto High School students, their families and the community as a whole can do to prepare for the possibility of an earthquake.

<b> Preparation </b>

The Red Cross sells emergency supply kits that cost between $39 and $125, depending on how many people the kit is meant to supply.

These kits include a tissue pack, two gallons of water, a 12-hour light stick, a flashlight with batteries, a poncho, a blanket, hand-warmers, a whistle, a sanitary waste bag, two 8-ounce water boxes, a first-aid kit and a sanitary napkin.

People should also include medications such as pain relief medicine, cold medicine, insect spray and hydrogen peroxide, as well as medical materials such as Band-Aids, cotton swabs and instant cold and hot packs. Extra clothing, a portable radio and a compass are also a good idea.

On top of keeping an emergency supply kit handy, the Red Cross encourages families to plan disaster escape routes and meeting places.

People can also make their houses more earthquake-proof by bolting bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture, as well as putting secure latches on cupboards.

Because post-earthquake fires caused much of the damage and injuries in the 1906 earthquake, it is also important to know how to turn off gas lines in homes and buildings.

Additionally, it is a good idea to keep a survival kit in the car. This kit should include items such as a day pack, bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, medication, a sleeping bag and a first-aid kit.

The local Red Cross chapter provides many opportunities to prepare for an earthquake and help build awareness. Palo Alto Neighborhood Disaster Activities Classes are offered to anyone who wants to learn preparedness and build awareness.

People can also volunteer to be community disaster educators, which entails going to schools, churches and corporations around the area to educate people about earthquake preparation.

<b>During the earthquake</b>

Everyone remembers the "stop, drop, cover and hold" earthquake drills practiced in schools throughout California. Though at the time these drills may have seemed silly, this procedure is an important one to remember in case of an earthquake.

People should not move more than a few steps from wherever they are at the start of an earthquake. Those in bed should remain there, hold on to the bed and cover their head with a pillow. If you are outside, find an open area away from any trees or power lines. If driving, drive to a clear place at a slow speed, turn off the car and remain inside until the earthquake is over.

<b> After the earthquake </b>

Immediately following the earthquake, people should check themselves for injuries and help anyone who is injured.

People should also be wary of the possibility of aftershocks, fires and gas leaks, which can cause further damage.

Listening to a radio or watching the television for all the latest information is also a good idea.

According to recent reports published by the U.S. Geological Survey, there is a 67 percent chance that a high-magnitude earthquake will strike the Bay Area in the next 30 years.

There is also a 16 percent chance that this major earthquake could strike within 10 years.

But through simple preparation and continued awareness, the damage of the looming earthquake can be greatly diminished.