West Valley Fault

Knowing that our country is prone to earthquakes and knowing as well that a Big One has been predicted for some time now merits some preparation and planning. It is crucial that the entire family has been briefed on what to do when the inevitable strikes. Plans should be in place on what to do during, before and after the earthquake.

Below you will find some helpful and practical tips that covers these 3 areas of preparedness.

Before The Earthquake

House and Location

*Determine which areas of the house are the safest and which are prone to collapse in the event of an earthquake; which parts should you reinforce now or which should be removed.

*Identify how far is your house from the fault line. Knowing this can help you determine the possible extent of damage your house can get. If you are directly on top of a fault line, continuing with your 3rd floor construction plans might not be a sound idea.

*Check for any objects within the house that can fall on you and your family during an earthquake. Any unsecured objects that can move, fall or break during the shaking can potentially harm you more than the just the shaking itself.

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*Let the adults in the family know where the gas, electricity and water valves are. These should be immediately closed to avoid fires and other hazards.

Family and Preparations

*Have the entire family keep important numbers all the time. This should include mobile numbers of the members of the family, emergency numbers, school and office numbers, and contact details for an out of town relative or friends that can be a point of contact for the whole family.

*Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit. You never know if you can go back to your house or whether basic commodities will still be available so having stocks for a few days’ supply is crucial:

Food – canned goods keeping tab of their expiry date. Other foods that don’t require refrigeration, cooking, water or any special preparation. Include foods for infants, special dietary needs and even pets if possible. Don’t forget to bring along some utensils especially a can opener. Rocks can’t help opening them y’know.

Flashlights, batteries and other source of lighting and power.

Water – One gallon per person per day if possible and good for 72 hours at the very least. Prepare both for drinking and for other sanitary needs such as for washing which in this case need not be purified or bottled.

Portable radio or television for updated information.

First aid kit with manual and small fire extinguishers. Keep a supply of special needs items, such as medications, extra eyeglasses, contact lens solutions, hearing aid batteries, items for infants (formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers), sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper), and any other items unique to your family’s needs. *

Important papers and cash. Important documents are hard to replace so it will still be better and hassle free if they are kept safe. You can store them on bank vaults if you can afford them if not be sure to place them on water-resistant packaging. Cash are important in case ATMs are unavailable.

Cloth and bedding supplies – Good enough for a few days and light to carry. No need for jackets as we are on a tropical climate, but you are free to bring if you want. Include some bedding supplies if you can. A tent may come in handy if you will need to stay in some evacuation areas without proper quarters.

Pets – Of course we can’t leave our furry friends but when you do be sure to bring along some pet foods and necessities such as poo bags, etc. ID’s and vet records may come in handy as well.

Family and Readiness

*Earthquake Drill.
– each member of the family must know to Drop, Cover and Hold.
– know the exits and safe spots in the house, the school, malls that your family frequently goes to in case you got caught while there.

*Meet Up Place. Determine in advance where the family will convene should an earthquake occur while some member of the family is out.