In the coming weeks, we will continue to highlight each of the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, recommendations for what to do before, during, and after earthquakes. Following these steps is an optional aspect of your ShakeOut participation that may improve your preparedness for a big earthquake or other emergencies.
Step 2: Plan to be safe.
Will everyone in your household do the right thing during the violent shaking of a major earthquake? Before the next earthquake, get together with your family or housemates to plan now what each person will do before, during and after.
Once the earthquake is over, we will have to live with the risk of fire, the potential lack of utilities and basic services, and the certainty of aftershocks. By planning now, you will be ready. This plan will also be useful for other emergencies.
Planning for an earthquake, terrorist attack, or other emergency is not much different from planning for a party or vacation. Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person's name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency.
Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. Visit Be Ready Utah for great suggestions about planning for disasters. Here are aspects to consider when planning for earthquakes:
- Identify safe spots in every room, such as under sturdy desks or tables, or on the ground next to an interior wall away from windows and things that may fall.
- Earthquakes can start fires, so store a fire extinguisher where it can be easily accessed, and learn how to use it (P.A.S.S. - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
- People often cut their feet during or after earthquakes when they get out of bed and walk barefoot on broken glass or other fallen objects. To keep shoes and a flashlight within reach, put them in a bag and tie it to your bed frame or headboard.
- Access to making long distance phone calls is usually restored first.Choose someone who lives out of the area for everyone in your family to report their status, then learn how to Text First, Talk Second from ShakeOut partner Safe America Foundation.
- If you are a person with a disability or need extra help, include your personal support network in your plan and visit EarthquakeCountry.org/disability for a variety of resources.
- You may also want to check out last Friday's edition of the Deseret News for a special section on preparing your family for disaster. "When Disaster Hits Home" will be included in every Deseret News on Friday. Copies of "When Disaster Hits Home" will also be available in Emergency Essentials stores in Orem, South Jordan, Murray and Bountiful.
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