If you live in earthquake country long enough, it is certain that you will find yourself in an earthquake, maybe a big one.
This is about how not to be a victim. We can't predict the quake with much accuracy and we can't prevent it, but much of the damage is predictable and preventable.
Proof was seen in recent quakes that earthquake damage is greatly mitigated by preparation on a number of levels.
In modern earthquakes the money lost from non-structural damage is comparable to that lost in structural damage. Yet taking measures that could prevent non-structural damage is a bargain, the cost is very low.
The cost to prevent personal injury is an even better deal. It's up to you.
Take the precautions now that we'll discuss in this section and in the next quake you could save a lot of money, and protect your family's health and well being.
The likelihood is 70% that when the big one hits, you'll be at home. These are the ten most important steps to take at home.
- Make a family plan.
- Do a safe house check, non-structural.
- Do a safe house check, structural.
- Review your homeowners insurance.
- Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity.
- Keep "emergency" money in a safe place you'll be able to access after a quake. Make sure you have an adequate amount of small bills---banks and ATM machines won't be working.
- Get your vehicle safe and ready.
- Store family treasures: fire proof safes, safety deposit boxes. (Tip: if you have your family photo albums out, store negatives together, with other documents, separate from your photos.)
- Take a first aid course.
- Organize your emergency supplies.
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