by Marti Talbott
While most are so small they are rarely felt, modern technology records
between 12,000 to 14,000 earthquakes each year, some claiming thousands of
lives in a matter of seconds. Amazingly, earthquakes are also occurring in
such unlikely places as
The Texas Panhandle, Idaho, Colorado, New York and the Mississippi Valley.
We can't prevent them, but with a little forward thinking, we can do
everything possible to survive.
The first sign: Earthquakes often begin with a short, quick pre-shock that
rattles windows and feels like someone just bumped into your chair. Normal
reaction is to stop, look around and see what's happening. But what you do or
don't do in those few seconds could save your life.
Do - train yourself to be sensitive to movement under your feet. If the floor
moves, it's a pre-shock. Plan the safest place to be during the quake,
(preferably an area with close walls like the bathroom or a stairwell) and
your escape route out of the building. Always keep hallways and doorways
clear. As soon as you are outside, immediately turn the gas off to prevent
fires.
Don't -- get in an elevator! Earthquakes cut power as well as change the door
alignment and you may not be able to get out.
Don't -- go back inside damaged buildings after the quake. It's not over!
Aftershocks begin in as little as thirty seconds and can be as strong or
stronger than the initial quake.
The size of the quake -
5.0 earthquake will frighten you, knock a few things off shelves and perhaps
topple a bell in the church tower, but for the most part, injuries will be
slight.
6.0 (100 times stronger than a 5.0) will cause some buildings to fall,
interrupt power, water, phones and gas, crack foundations, break windows, and
topple weaker chimneys and some freeway on and off ramps. A few people will
die, several will be injured.
7.0 and above are the real killers. If you live near the water, you need to
think about tsunamis. A tsunami depends on the amount and location of land
sliding into the water. Don't wait to see what will happen, head for higher
ground immediately.
Supplies - Prepare for AT LEAST a three day disruption in basic services and
store your supplies just inside a front of back door, or in the trunk of your
car (unless you park in a garage).
Water - Enough for drinking, cooking, washing wounds, dishes and hands.
Food - Anything you can eat cold, crackers, cereal, canned beans, etc. Don't
forget a can opener.
Clothing - A change of clothing for each member of the family, blankets,
diapers, wash cloths. Don't forget toilet paper.
Medical - Suntan lotion in summer, burn medicine, butterfly bandages (to
temporarily close cuts), miscellaneous bandages, scissors, tweezers (for
removing glass), cotton balls, antiseptic (peroxide is cheap and excellent
for cleaning wounds and purifying water -- 2 drops per liter).
Misc. - Candles, matches, flashlights with extra batteries, charcoal for
cooking/keeping warm, lighter fluid, a transistor radio with plenty of spare
batteries (a 9 volt lasts about 20 hours) and extra prescription drugs.
Marti Talbott, Author of:
"A Shattered City - Earthquake in Seattle"
http://www.carsonbooks.com