Chapter 5 Earthquake Safety Handbook-5

Keep an emergency light by your bed, at work, and in your car.Do not use matches or candles after an earthquake unless you can be sure there are no gas leaks. Portable battery-operated radio or television with spare batteries Most phones will be out of service or for emergency use only, so the radio will be your best source of information.You should also have a battery-operated transceiver and walkie-talkie, if possible. Keep a first aid kit at home and in your car.Also, have a copy of the Standard First Aid and Personal Safety Handbook produced by the American Red Cross.Have your family take some basic first aid and rescue respiration classes.

Keep fire extinguishers in your home and vehicle.Some fire extinguishers are only suitable for specific fire sources - fires started by electricity, fires started by grease, or fires started by gas, etc. ABC (all-purpose dry chemical) fire extinguishers are safe to use on any kind of fire source.Your local fire department can teach you how to use a fire extinguisher properly. Prepare necessary special supplies, such as medicines, extra glasses, contact lens solution, hearing aid batteries, baby items (baby food, diapers, feeding bottles and pacifiers), hygiene products (small wipes and toilet paper), and anything else you need at home.

Make sure you have enough cash available in case ATMs, banks and credit card systems go down.Also, keep some credits, IDs, and copies of some important documents, such as insurance policies and financial records. In addition to a pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench (to close the gas valve and water pipe), you'll need a lighter, a box of matches in a waterproof case, and a whistle to call emergency personnel. If you live in an area with cold weather, keeping warm must be considered.You may not be able to keep warm after an earthquake.Take your clothes and sleeping gear into consideration.Make sure everyone has a full change of clothes and shoes, this includes:

jacket or coat trousers Long-sleeved shirt sturdy shoes hats, gloves and scarves Sleeping bag or warm blanket (one per person) Find a safe place for your pet, pack the essentials, make sure your pet has accurate identification and up-to-date veterinary registration, and have a kennel and a leash ready.