Earthquakes can strike at any time. All of us need to “Be Prepared”, at home, at school, in the workplace, while shopping, in houses of worship, or just taking a walk in the park.
Being prepared at home is the single most important thing to help the community when an earthquake strikes. While first responders (Fire, Law Enforcement, Medical Services, Public Works) plan to respond, they will also be affected, and may not be able to respond. Individuals may very well find themselves at home without emergency services support.
Many organizations including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross offer a wealth of information on earthquake preparedness ranging from “Drop, Cover and Hold On” to recommendations for structural modifications to homes. In a recent public outreach and education meeting, a question was asked by a person who rents her home, “What are the three easiest things I can do to prepare my family for an earthquake?” Simplistically the three easiest are to Survey, Supply and Reach Out:
- Survey (Survey the home and family)
- Look for things that might fall over
- Know how to shut off the utilities
- Discuss earthquakes with the family
- Supply (Supply the home for the family’s needs)
- Have extra food, water and first aid kit/medicine
- Keep the gas tank full
- Have blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothes available
- Reach Out (Reach out to your neighbors)
- Know your neighbors
- Know your neighborhood
- Know your community
Being prepared for an earthquake is the responsibility of each one of us – you are critical to community resilience!
Join us as we continue the “Be Prepared” theme:
- January 25th “Be Prepared” In The School
- January 26th “Be Prepared” In The Workplace
- January 27th “Be Prepared” A Compendium Of Available Resources.
Thursday January 26th, 2017 is the 317th anniversary of the last Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake. In recognition of this, and to increase earthquake awareness, City of Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville has proclaimed January 26th as “Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Awareness Day”