Earthquake Preparedness
Posted by Bill Bourlet
Graem Castell told us that the last big earthquake occurred here on January 26 1700. So whilst thats a while back we probably are due for another big one. That was estimated at around 9.00 on the scale. and is therefore 100 times more severe than anything since then. In 2001 we had a small one emanating from the Olympic Peninsular registering 6.1. The consequences of not being prepared are huge. A large one would be devastating. In 1964 we had a 9.2 in Alaska, Chile had a 9.5 in 1960 where there was massive damage with thousands dying. Kobe Japan lost 6 and half thousand people with 35,000 injured. Can you imagine that here? Devastating. So what can we do to be prepared? Dont forget your children and your pets! Preparation is a form of insurance. Do it slowly but do it surely.
For the first 72 hours you are going to be on your own. Have you thought about that? Then you might get help but don't count on it. Be prepared. For the few seconds of shaking hide under a table. Cover your head to protect it from flying objets like glass. Now what? There will be fires. Don't turn off your gas unless you are sure as you may not be able to turn it on again. Assuming it still works. Fire and Police will survey the area first to asses the damage. They will not be available to help. There will be after shocks. Stay still. Duck and cover again. Locate family if possible. See if everybody is O.K. Select a meeting spot. Go there and wait. Don't wander around or you may miss each other. Probably will take out the bridges and flyovers so little transportation to move around so stay put wherever you are. Store food and water. Enough for 72 hours. Portion it out. Cooking, lighting, heat, warmth and sanitation will be first. Secure your home. Most work places will come to a halt. keep a First aid kit handy including some pain killers. If close to the sea, head in land. Watch out for hyperthermia as there may be no heat. Keep tolls handy. Keep a pair of old shoes or good walking boots near by. This may happen in the dark during the night so keep good shoes handy and a warm coat near the bed. Many people cut there feet right after the fist shake. Wind up flashlight and radio will be useful. And a book for $20 is a good investment! The speaker was thanked by Mary Watson.