The recent earthquake(s) in Japan and the devastation they caused may have reminded you of the need to have a plan in the case of a similar event happening in California. We can just cross our fingers and hope that it won’t happen here anytime soon or we can prepare ourselves for the inevitability.
The best thing to do is put together a home disaster kit and keep it in a place you can get to if the worst happens. At a minimum, here’s what your kit should contain:
- A guide to locate and shut off the gas, electricity and water sources.
- Gloves, safety glasses and an extra set of clothes, including heavy-duty shoes.
- A radio with extra batteries (wind up portable radios are available that don’t need batteries).
- A flashlight for every family member, with extra batteries.
- Waterproof matches and candles. Make sure to check for any gas leaks before using.
- A stash of cash. It’s likely banks won’t be open and ATM’s won’t be working, or out of money for awhile.
- Important papers-legal and medical, copies kept in a plastic bag.
- An up to code fire extinguisher.
- A comprehensive first aid kit.
- A supply of necessary medications (keep updated) and extra pair of eyeglasses if needed.
- Water. As much as you can store-and replace every six months if stored in plastic.
- Food with a long shelf life (health bars and beef jerky are good examples of easy portability and good calories).
You can also do things to minimize damage in the home. Make sure anything that can fall on you is secured. You never know where you’ll be when it happens.
- Secure bookcases to wall studs with safety straps. The heaviest items should be on the bottom shelves. Use museum wax to secure freestanding delicates.
- Wall hangings should be hung with closed hooks so they won't fall off your walls. Don’t hang anything heavy over the head of your bed. Wide screen TV’s should to be bolted to the wall.
- Fans and lighting fixtures should be secured with ceiling studs.
- Kitchen cabinets can be secured with childproof locks. Just like in airline baggage holders, be careful when you open them, as things will shift in the shaking.
- The connections to gas stoves, water heaters, etc. need to be flexible and have a little give for when things start moving.
- Lock or block off your refrigerator wheels.
- Keep your bed in the center of the room and away from windows.
- Clean and organize your garage so that if chemicals fall, they don’t mix and become caustic, or fall anywhere near electrical outlets.
For more information you can visit this website.
If you have any tips you don’t see here, you can suggest them through the comment section below.