Earthquake Planning, Preparation Can Save Lives, Property
Release Date: March 11, 2004
Release Number: 1505-032
» More Information on California Earthquake
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif -- Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning. Although San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties experienced a damaging earthquake only recently, the sad fact is, another could strike at any moment. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life.
Government agencies working together in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties to support recovery from the San Simeon earthquake include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Officials of these agencies provide the following important information to help minimize injury and damage from any future earthquake.
Before the quake
Check for hazards in 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.
- Replace defective electrical wiring and rigid gas connections with approved flexible pipe.
- Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there is foundation damage or settlement, or if you cannot locate foundation anchor bolts.
- Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
Identify safe places in each room:
- Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
- 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.
Locate safe places outdoors:
- In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake.
- Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
- Teach children how and when to call 911, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
- Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for information.
Have disaster supplies on hand:
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries or a hand-crank radio.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener.
- Essential medicines.
- Cash and credit cards.
- Sturdy shoes.
- A tool kit containing at least a crowbar and a wrench.
Develop an emergency communication plan.
- In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact."
- After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
During the quake
If indoors:
- Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on. Standing inside a doorway is no longer recommended.
- Overhead protection usually is too narrow – and doors can swing violently during an earthquake, crushing your hands or knocking you down.
- Stay inside.
- The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.
If outdoors:
- Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
If in a moving vehicle:
- Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.
- Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.
- Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.
OES coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade and war-caused emergencies and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Disaster recovery assistance is available to any individual without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, economic status, or disability. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against in receiving disaster assistance, you may contact one of FEMA’s Equal Rights Officers (EROs) at 1-800-525-0321, or contact your State Office of Equal Rights.
Last Modified: Thursday, 11-Mar-2004 17:04:22