Earthquakes, Tsunami’s and aftershocks, oh my!
Now is the time to start thinking about home safety..
Remember that after a quake, things you can depend on may not be available like water, power, gas, internet, and information. Stores will be closed and traffic lights will be inoperable. Sanitation will be an issue as well as a higher propensity for unlawful activity.
Four easy rules form our friends at Ready.gov can help make you better prepared:
- Be Informed – Emergency preparedness is not only for Californians, Midwesterners and Gulf Coast residents. Most communities may be impacted by several types of hazards during a lifetime. Americans also travel more than ever before to areas with different hazard risks than at home.Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. Use this site to learn about potential emergencies that can happen and how to prepare for and respond to them.
- Make a Plan – Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. Read more about Family Communication during an emergency.
- Build a Kit – A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.
- Get Involved – In the face of disaster, Americans come together with courage, compassion and unity and ask, “How can I help?”There are many ways to Get Involved especially before a disaster occurs. The whole community can participate in programs and activities to make their families, homes and communities safer from risks and threats. Community leaders agree the formula for ensuring a safer homeland consists of volunteers, a trained and informed public and increased support of emergency response agencies during disasters. Major disasters can overwhelm first responder agencies, empowering individuals to lend support.
If you need any help assembling a kit, understanding home safety or just need explanation, ask ANY DART member at our upcoming events for more information.