Foresthill2023

EMERGENCY & SAFETY GUIDE

Earthquake What to Do Before Movement of the ground is seldom the actual cause of death or injury. Most casualties result from falling objects and debris, or partial collapse of buildings, etc. Because earthquakes occur without warning, take steps to prepare so you and your family will know what to do and how to respond. The following information is provided to help you and your family plan for and survive a major earthquake. By taking certain preparedness measures, the impact of a quake can be lessened. Have a family plan of what to do at home during and after a disaster. Your chances of survival will be much higher if your family knows what to do and is trained to act as a unit. Use the “Team Concept” where everyone has a vital job in an emergency situation. You could be without help for up to 72 hours – plan now and be prepared. Before the Quake... • First Aid Kit and Instructional Handbook – Have members of your family take basic First Aid and CPR courses. • Fire Extinguishers – Some extinguishers are made for certain types of fires – electrical, grease, or gas. Class “ABC” extinguishers can be used safely on most types of fire. • Food, Cooking Utensils and Non-Electric Can Opener – Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated foods, powdered milk, and canned juices for at least 72 hours. Dried cereals, fruits and unsalted nuts are a good source of nutrition. Include some food items that do not require water for preparation. • Alternate Source for Cooking – In case gas or electricity is interrupted, you will have to use other means of cooking. Have appropriate fuel and tools to use an outdoor stove or barbeque. When cooking outdoors make sure you are away from possible gas leaks. Store matches in waterproof, airtight containers. Check them from time to time to make sure they are still good. • Water – Store in airtight containers and replace about every 6 months. Have at least 3 gallons of water per person for a 72 hour period or longer. Purchase purification tablets and/or liquid chlorine bleach for use in disinfecting water. In an emergency situation, you may use the water contained in your toilet tank or water heater. However, if you use cleaning solutions or disinfectants in your toilet tank, the water would not be suitable for drinking. Approximately 2 to 3 gallons of water is held in the toilet tank and approximately 35 to 65 gallons in your water heater (depending upon the size). • Special Items – If a member of your household is on a limited or restricted diet, have at least a week’s supply of the special items required. Also, if you have infants, take care to provide the proper food for them, too. If any family members of your family wear eyeglasses, keep spares on hand. • Hygiene and sanitation are particularly important after a disaster. Make sure you have an adequate supply of toilet paper, plastic bags, twist ties, premoistened towelettes, hand soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a watertight container with a snug-fitting lid that could be used as an emergency toilet. Line container with a plastic bag and add powdered chlorinated lime or a household disinfectant to sewage to deodorize, disinfect and keep insects away. • Heavy shoes and a pair of work gloves for each member of the family. Because of the debris and broken glass, etc., shoes with heavy soles and work gloves will lessen the possibility of injury. • Tools – Pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water leaks. • A plan for reuniting your family that can be implemented without using the telephone. Families with school children should make sure their schools have emergency plans and consider these in developing a family plan. Recognize that travel may be impractical following an earthquake. Check with the school on their emergency plans or policies: Will the school hold or release your children, or release your child only to you or to someone you have authorized? Have On Hand For Any Emergency • Flashlights with spare batteries • Portable radio with spare batteries

For more information, contact your local emergency agency or go to www.redcross.org on the web

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