|
Things to check or prepare before a earthquake -
1. Check your earthquake insurance policy. Property and valuables have gone up. Make sure you have enough earthquake insurance coverage.
2. Make sure you have a wrench near your gas and water values. Many companies sell aluminum wrenches that don't weather and can be place outdoor next to your gas value.
3. Do a check of things that would most likely fall in a earthquake. Anything top heavy with a high center of gravity will most likely fall over. Move these items to lower shelves or fasten down with velcro or double face tape.
4. Tall furniture with high centers of gravity will most likely fall over. All new HDTVs have a very high center of gravity and could fall over or jump off their stands. You might want to firmly fasten them to the wall or tv stand with screws or bolts. Make sure high bookcases are attached to the wall with cleats or hinges. Strap your water heater to the wall. After a large quake the water-heater water can be used for washing from the value at the bottom. You don't want to loose this water source.
5. Throw a old pair of tennis shoes in your car. You might have to walk after a quake. Tennis shoes are better to walk in than dress shoes.
6. Check your garage for objects that could fall down and dent your car. Many shelves in garages could have fronts put on them to keep things from flying out. Check and see where you park outside. If you park near objects that could fall on your car, you might want to park some where else. These include chimneys, unreinforced walls, glass buildings;etc.
7. Keep some water on hand for drinking. A few gallons for each person will keep you alive a couple of days. Also, the water in your toilet reservoir tank can be used for washing.
8. Keep a radio on hand and flashlights in each room.
Things to check after a quake -
1. Check family members/pets in house. Call out and don't walk to them. Broken glass and items blocking your way will be on the house floors.
2. If it is night. Find flashlight and shoes first before getting up. Make sure you are not in danger before getting up. Items may have fallen in the house that could cause a threat. Example: If your house has a large aquarium, it might have now fallen over and flood the house. Make sure you turn off the electrical first.
3. If the quake was a very large, check for damage. Check for gas smell first and shut off main value if you smell gas. Check for things that are partially fallen and secure them. They will most likely be a aftershock that will complete the task of dislodging items.
4. Be very careful opening up cabinets and refrigerator. Many items will be broken and loose and will fall out on you.
5. Unplug items that have fallen - TVs, stereos, microwaves, computers; etc.
6. Check for structure damage. Walls, door frames, cracks, chimneys, pool, windows, car, gas, water, electric, phone. If your windows are cracked, you might want to tape them with duct tape to keep glass from flying in a aftershock. If they are broken, knock out any loose glass.
7. After a large quake most cellphone and landline service will be out. Listen to the radio for information if TV and power are out.
8. If water is still on after a quake you might want to fill water bottles and tub for water. Must likely water mains will have broken and you will lose pressure fast.
9. Don't use toilet. The water in the reservoir tank is important to save.
10. Check for anything that has fallen outside. This includes power-lines and hazardous structures.
11. Check neighbors and see if they are ok. If they are not home turn off their gas. The number one threat after a quake is fires. Most water mains will be broken and no water will be available to fight fires. If a house near yours catches on fire, it will spread.
12. Keep freezer and refrig closed. Power will be off and item will last longer if you don't open the doors.
|
|
Use the pan arrows or the overview map to navigate the map.
Zoom buttons allow to quickly zoom to a predefined level on the map based on the centre of the map.
Select the map feature you want more information about.
You can also find the map feature using the pull down menu.
|
|