Earthquake Safety

I forgot to post this last week, so looks like I am behind a week now:) Sorry if I am overwhelming with info lately:)

What do we do BEFORE an Earthquake hits?

PREPARE YOUR HOME:
-Fasten shelves securely to walls.
-Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
-Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches. -Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
-Brace overhead light fixtures.
-Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
-Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
-Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
-Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
-Identify Safe Places indoors and outdoors like under sturdy furniture or against an inside wall away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.

10 item checklist that each family should work on:

Get a printable checklist on the right:)

1) Be part of a functioning Community response plan and CERT training

2) 72 hr kit: Every family member needs a complete kit and it is stored in a convenient place3) Family Emergency plan: Every family has a plan and it is practiced regularly. I have attached some cards in the "pritables" area that can be filled out and given to each family member

4) Extra water:Each family should have at least a 2 week supply of water

5) Food Storage: 3 month supply minimum. Longer supply when possible

6) First Aid kit: Every home and car should have a kit and everyone knows how to use it(CERT training spends 2 weeks in this area)

7) Water and Sanitation kit: You will need water to keep clean and wash as well as drinking water. Also supplies to use for a toilet and to keep things as sanitary as possible. I will focus on sanitation on our blog in the near future as well.

8) Utilities shut off: Know how to shut utilities off and have any necessary tools9) "Grab and go kit": Have a transportable file system of vital records (social security cards, legal papers, birth certificates, etc)

10) Car Emergency kit: 72 hr kit, 1st aid kit, tow rope, & small mechanics kit EXTRA CREDIT: Emergency equipment: pick and shovel, Generator, CERT stuff, smoke detectors/extinguishers, gloves, chain saws, etc, etc, etc