Be Red Cross Ready
With these earthquake preparedness recommendations
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth's surface. Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and they can occur at any time of the year, day or night. Forty-five states and territories in the United States are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes, and they are located in every region of the country.
Get or assemble an emergency preparedness kit
A portable kit stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:
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First aid kit and essential medications
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Canned food and can opener
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At least three gallons of water per person
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Protective clothing, rain ware, and bedding or sleeping bags
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Battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
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Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
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Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so
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Keeping essentials such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes by your bedside
Prepare a home earthquake plan:
The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.
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Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you
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Practice drop, cover and hold on at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to drop, cover, and hold on!
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Choose an out-of-town family contact
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Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques
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Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
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Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department
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Inform babysitters and care givers of your plan
Be informed
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Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities
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Contact your Southeast Missouri Chapter for details about community disaster education presentations that may be arranged or are available in your workplace, school or community organization
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Get trained in CPR and first aid so you will know how to respond to emergencies in the event that help is delayed
During an earthquake Drop,
Cover,
and Hold On
Additional information for businesses |