It’s Everyone’s Fault

If You Live in California, You’re Near a Fault!

With so much focus on recent wildfires in Southern California, most have forgotten about the anniversary of the Northridge earthquake that happened January 17^th 1994. We are “way” over-due for an earthquake. Now is the time to prepare your community, not afterwards. It is a fact, most earthquake preparedness kits are sold after an earthquake. This is a good time to get in front of your community and start preparing for the next quake. Here are some ways to help you get started:

What to Do Before an Earthquake

• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home. Learn first aid.
• Be prepared for up to 72hrs afterwards with food, water and supplies.
• Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
• Make up a plan of where to meet your family and neighbors after an earthquake.
• Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves (they’ll fall during a quake). Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.

What to Do During an Earthquake?

• Stay calm! If you’re indoors, stay inside. If you’re outside, stay outside.
• If you’re indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors. If you’re outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (things might fall off the building).
• Don’t use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don’t mix!
• If you’re in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops. Don’t use elevators (they’ll can get stuck).

What to Do After an Earthquake?

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
• Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Do not touch any downed lines! Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else’s phone).
• Turn on the radio. Don’t use the phone unless it’s an emergency.
• Stay out of damaged buildings.
• Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet. Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
• Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
• Stay away from damaged areas.
• If you’re at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
• Expect aftershocks.

Remember, it’s not a matter of “if” an earthquake strikes but “when.”

Additional Information: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/earthquake

Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is designated for Wildfire Preparedness Day which is May 4th . This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected]

Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale and Associate Director for the Calif Training Officers Assoc. He also is a consultant for Lexipol www.Lexipol.com