Mika Inoue

Recent earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest have prompted emergency managers to remind the public to review their disaster plans and refresh their emergency kits. Shallow earthquakes of 4.0-magnitude and below have recently shaken residents up and down the Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska, and across the Cascades into Idaho. And some aren’t that little-a recent series of tremblors along the Blanco Fracture Zone off the Oregon coast ranged from 3.7 to 5.6. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson, the spate of temblors is no cause for alarm, but no cause for complacency either.

“We live in a seismically active region, and while faults along the coast get a lot of attention, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and Idaho get their share of tremors,” said Reinertson. “Future activity cannot be predicted; however, people living anywhere in the Pacific Northwest could potentially experience a magnitude 5 or 6 earthquake. Planning is not prediction, but planning for the worst and hoping for the best is good advice in the disaster preparedness profession.”
Emergency managers have long encouraged all Americans to maintain 72-hour disaster preparedness kits with food, water, prescription medication and first aid supplies, battery-powered lanterns and radios, and extra batteries. Disaster preparedness kits, coupled with current family disaster plans, guarantee a degree of autonomy regardless of whether or not the emergency is driven by weather effects and other natural causes, pandemics or even terror strikes. Keep in mind that a 72-hour kit is an absolute minimum, and most agencies and experts recommend a seven-to-fourteen day kit.

Commonsense considerations in fine-tuning plans to incorporate seismic threats include:

Preparing your home for an earthquake

• Eliminate hazards by moving heavy items to lower shelves and securing heavy furniture and tall bookcases to wall studs. Secure hanging items, such as mirrors and paintings and never hang things over beds.
• Make sure that your water heater is secured properly to the wall studs. Your water heater weighs a few hundred pounds, and during an earthquake it could fall, breaking gas lines on the way down.
• Verify that your home is bolted securely to the foundation. Homes built before 1950 were not required to be bolted to the foundation. If unsure, have a licensed contractor check.
• Make sure that your chimney is securely braced. During an earthquake, it can topple over and fall through the ceiling, becoming a major hazard.

During an Earthquake

• If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move
• Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.
• If you are outside, stay away from power lines, glass windows, and large buildings. Move to a clear area.
• If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.
• If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.
• If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland.

After an earthquake

• Check for injuries on yourself and others and perform necessary first aid.
• At this point emergency services and phone lines are overloaded, so only use the phone to report life-threatening emergencies.
• Know where your utility connections are, and how to shut off utilities to prevent further damage to your home.
• Put out small fires with your fire extinguisher. Remember, if you smell gas or think that it may be leaking, evacuate your home immediately and shut off your utilities.
• Expect aftershocks and be prepared to take cover when they occur.

Emergency Supplies List

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days, but consider storing a two-week supply if your home has enough space for it. Store these items in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags, or covered trash containers. These are the basics to have on hand for any emergency:
• Flashlights with spare batteries. Keep a flashlight beside your bed. Do not use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain no gas leaks exist.
• Battery-operated radio with spare batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or used for emergency purposes, so radios will be your best source of information. An automobile radio is a good substitute.
• First aid kit; first aid knowledge. Have a first aid book such as the Standard First Aid & Personal Safety by the American National Red Cross. Have members of your household take basic Red Cross first aid and CPR courses.
• Fire extinguisher. Keep a fire extinguisher handy for small fires. Some extinguishers are only good for certain types of fires–electrical, grease, or gas. Class ABC extinguishers are designed to be used safely on any type of fire.
• Food. It’s a practical idea to keep a supply of non-perishable food on hand that can be rotated into your diet and be replenished on a regular basis. Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, and canned juices for at least three days, but preferably two weeks.
• Water. Water should be stored in airtight containers and replaced every six months. Most people need to drink at least two quarts (64 ounces), which is equal to eight cups, of water each day. The amount of water you need will also depend on the total amount of juices, soups, other drinks, and high moisture foods that are available. Children, nursing women, and ill people will need more. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing your activity level. Additional water will be needed for food preparation and hygiene. In general, store at least one gallon of water per person, per day of expected need.
• Warm clothes and blankets. Have enough warm clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags to survive subzero winter temperatures.
• Special items. Keep on hand at least a week’s supply of medications and special foods needed for infants or those on limited diets.
• Tools. Have a pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water mains.
Note
Water can be disinfected with household chlorine bleach. Only use plain bleach for this purpose; do not use any bleach with added ingredients, like perfumes or other additives. Use the following proportions: for one gallon of clear water use 1/8 teaspoon of bleach; for one gallon of cloudy water use ¼ teaspoon.

Mika Inoue Farmers Insurance Group  •  503/443-1780  •  Auto Home Fire Life Commercial