Be Prepared for the Next Big One

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

In July of 2015, The New Yorker posted an article relating to "The Big One"- a massive earthquake that is predicted to hit California, Oregon, and Washington. Unfortunately, these things are never planned. It's important to be prepared for emergency situations. To help, the American Red Cross has provided safety tips to follow during an earthquake. 

If you are inside when shaking starts:

• Drop, cover and hold on.


• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.


• Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.


• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and it is safe to exit. Use stairs to exit the building rather than an elevator. 


• Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire. 

If you are outside when the shaking starts:

• Find a clear spot away from buildings, power lines, trees and streetlights and drop to the ground until the shaking stops.


• If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses, and power lines if possible. Stay inside with your seat belt fastened until the shaking stops. 


• If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.


• If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes. 

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/07/20/the-really-big-one

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Are-You-Ready-for-the-Next-Big-One