Life In SoCal: Earthquake Preparedness

Most of us in southern California have experienced an earthquake and understand how unsettling it is when the ground below you is unstable.  Being prepared for the "big one" means securing where you live and work (in advance) and following what the kids do in school: practice an earthquake drill.

Safety

The first consideration is the safety of people.  For the drill, remember to get down on your hands and knees, preferable under a desk or piece of furniture, or next to an interior wall with your arms above your head.  If you have to evacuate where you are, have a plan in advance.  Locate emergency food, water and first aid materials.  Know how to turn off utilities if they are dangerous.  Have an outdoor meeting place for your family.  If you are usually in different places, designate a place to eventually meet.

Important Information

For your continuing safety, make not of important information: emergency phone numbers, names and addresses, information regarding utilities, medical history and current medications, vehicle information, and banking information.  What to keep in a fire-proof safe:  birth certificates, ownership certificates, insurance policies, wills, and a household inventory with photographs.  Think about how secure you will feel when you have done these things and are prepared.

Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Be Ready When The Earth Shakes #3

Earthquakes make things move, shake and  fall:

• check windows
• anchor bookcases, cabinet doors, refrigerators, water heaters (it's the law), furniture
• heaters and stoves
• other large appliances
• have flexible connections for gas appliances
• air conditioners
• use plastic containers instead of glass
• secure overhead lights and fans
• anchor wall items above beds
• keep hanging objects away from windows
• place heavy objects on lower shelves
• properly store toxic materials or cleaners

Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Read Be Ready When The Earth Shakes #1 and Be Ready When The Earth Shakes #2

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Be Ready When The Earth Shakes #2

Put together a survival kit for earthquake preparedness:

• tools:  ax, shovel, broom, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, adjustable wrench, rope, plastic sheeting and tape
• safety and comfort:  shoes, gloves, candles and waterproof matches, change of clothes, knife, garden hose, tent, blankets and sleeping bags, portable radio and flashlight with extra batteries, fire extinguisher, pet food and water, toilet tissue, cash
• for the car:  blankets, bottled water, change of clothes, coins, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency signal device, flashlight and batteries, nonperishable food, gloves, map and compass, rope, paper and pencils, current medications, battery operated radio, mirror, toilet tissue, tools, jumper cables, duct tape, extra eyeglasses or contact lens solution
• for the workplace:  same as above

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Read Be Ready When The Earth Shakes #3

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Be Ready When The Earth Shakes #1

Here's what's recommended for your earthquake preparedness first aid kit:

• hydrogen peroxide
• antibiotic ointment
• alcohol wipes
• over the counter pain medications
• current prescriptions
• anti-diarrhea medicine
• eye drops
• bandages
• elastic bandages
• gauze
• Q-tips
• adhesive tape
• scissors and tweezers
• thermometer
• bar soap
• sunscreen
• paper cups
• pocket knife
• plastic bags
• safety pins
• needle and thread
• instant cold packs
• sanitary napkins
• tongue blades

Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Read Be Ready When The Earth Shakes #2

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309