A calamity can strike at any time and we have no control over it. The most we can do is prepare for it, so there is minimum damage to life and property.
Earthquake is one such disaster. As per the US Geological Survey, 16 states in the country are at a high risk of facing a disastrous earthquake in the next few decades. These states include Alaska, California, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Washington, and Wyoming. Here’s how you can prepare for it to minimize damage.
#1. Have An Emergency Plan
If or when the disaster hits, you never get enough time to make out a plan; therefore, preparing one beforehand for your home or workplace can save your life. Identify the best places to take cover in the building like sturdy desks and strong door frames. Also, learn and teach everyone else signaling techniques to use while being trapped. Discuss the plan with your co-workers and family members so you can help each other in the time of need.
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#2. Learn The Essentials
Having some tricks up your sleeve at the time of the disaster can not only save us but as well as the life of someone quite close to you. Therefore, learn CPR . At least two people in every family must know this technique of reviving a person in life and death situation. Drop, cover and hold on is another thing you might need in the situation of emergency. Practice such techniques and much more till these have become your second nature.
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#3. Prepare A Disaster Kit
There have been instances where people got trapped below the below the debris after an earthquake for days. In times like these, one small object can be a deciding factor in life and death. So, prepare an emergency supply of objects and make sure everybody in the family knows where it is. The supplies should be apt for all the people in your family for a few days. If you live in a big house, prepare extra kits and place them in different parts of the house. The kit should have water, food, flashlight, radio and emergency tools. Also, keeping some extra cash could help.
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#4. Prepare First Aid Kit
Though the first aid kit should be a part of your disaster kit, we have decided to mention this separately so you give enough emphasis on it and do not leave a half prepared one. Stock it with bandages, antibiotic ointments, alcohol wipes, broad-spectrum antibiotic pills, anti-diarrhea medication, gloves, dust mask, needle, thread, compression wraps and water-purification tablet. Also, if any of your family members is on long term medication, then also keep a good supply of it in the medical kit.
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#5. Prepare Your Home For Disaster
Aftershocks can be as damaging as the disaster itself. Therefore, if your home has survived the initial damage, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage from aftershocks. Fastening large items to walls and floor, installing shatter-safe window films to prevent them from breaking and keeping breakable items like glass and china stored away are some things that can help. But remember that if you have experienced an earthquake, the first thing you should do is get out of the building and find an open area.
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Now that you know how to prepare for an earthquake do not waste time and start preparing for one. You never know when it will strike. But before you go, share other techniques about preparing for an earthquake with us through the comments below. We would love to hear from you.
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