St. Rose Neighborhood Update – Earthquake Preparedness

We Live in Earthquake Country – Be Prepared!

So far we have not heard of any significant issues in the neighborhood caused by last night’s earthquake, but Napa’s damage  is certainly a wake-up call for us all. Here are a few tips and websites to help us all be  prepared for the next “Big One”.

Minimum Requirements:

• a flashlight near your bed
• a light bag packed with clothes and medications for an emergency evacuation
• knowledge and tools to shut off your main gas line. Keep a pipe wrench next to my gas meter.

Food:

Consider the following things when putting together your emergency food supplies:

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Choose foods your family will eat.
• Remember any special dietary needs.
• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
• Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils.

Water:

You should store at least one gallon of water per person for three days. A normally active person needs about three quarters of a gallon of fluid daily, from water and other beverages. However, individual needs vary, depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.

To determine your water needs, take the following into account:

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.
• If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary. In very hot temperatures, water needs can double.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

It is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water, in order to prepare the safest and most reliable emergency water supply. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open until you need to use it. Observe the expiration or “use by” date. Store in cool, dark place.

Children:

Do your children have earthquake eyes? Do you? When you walk into a building, notice where the exits and staircases are. What if you are in a store or mall during an earthquake and the lights go out? Keep in mind where you are in relation to the perimeter of a room or building so you can head toward a wall and follow it to an exit. Note potential sources of danger…large glass windows, heavy chandeliers….or what might protect you from danger…strong construction or heavy furniture where you can take cover. Earthquake eyes can save lives.

Pets

Do you own pets? Plan for how you would evacuate. Keep carriers and leashes in an easy to access area along with any special diet foods and medications.

The USGS website has a lot of good information about earthquakes, including an amazing map of the movement that would take place in a 7.2 earthquake in our area, which scary to say, is predicted. By comparison, Loma Prieta was 6.9 and the 1906 earthquake was 7.9. USGS says an earthquake in our area is predicted of that magnitude or larger. Simulation of 7.2 earthquake http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/…