Japan Is Just The Latest Reminder

The recent earthquake in Japan, and last year’s quakes in Haiti and Chile provide critical reminders to be prepared for a natural disaster.  Ever wonder how prepared you are for an earthquake?  Why not take our earthquake quiz and find out?

The Earthquake Preparedness Quiz:

(1) Can you locate the gas, power and water shut offs in your home or apartment? Do you know how to turn them off?

(2) Do you have an evacuation plan?  Do you know how to get out of your house or apartment if you’re on a floor above ground and a stairway is blocked?

(3) Do you know what to do and where to go during an earthquake?  How about after a quake if your residence is destroyed?

(4) Have you practiced an earthquake drill with your family?

(5) Do you know what the evacuation plan is at your child or grandchild’s school?

(6) Will you or another close friend or relative be able to pick up your child at school or daycare in an emergency?

(7) Do you have at least a 3-day supply of water on hand?

(8) Do you have a 3-day supply of canned or dried foods on hand?

(9) Do you have a way to heat food or water if the power is out?

(10) Do you have a family contact plan so either you or other family members know how to coordinate communication if telephone and cell coverage are interrupted?

(11) Have you discussed where you might meet friends or family in the event of an emergency?  Is there a back up plan if you can’t get to a primary meet-up location?

(12) Do you have at least one ABC rated fire extinguisher on hand that’s been inspected within the last two years?  Do you know how to use it? (If not see this).

(13) Have you checked the batteries in your smoke detector within the last 6 months? One good suggestion is to change them out at daylights savings time—you can make this part of your clock changing routine.

(14) Do you have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand?

(15) Have you considered buying or have you bought earthquake and/or flood insurance? Earthquake insurance is expensive so the question comes down to whether you think the risk justifies the cost.

(16) Have you made an inventory of your personal possessions in case of a partial or total loss of your residence?  Is there a copy of it in a safe location?

(17) Have you considered pet care in an emergency? Are your pet’s vaccinations and licensing current?  Are your pet’s identity tags current so you could be contacted  if they managed to get loose? What about pet medications?

(18) Have you considered the needs of someone in your household with a disability?  Is there a wheel chair available if needed?

(19) Have you taken a first aid or CPR course?

(20) Do you have access to some basic household tools and repair items like hammers, screw drivers, a pry bar, duct tape, rope or tarps?

(21) If you had to stay outside for an extended period of time are blankets, boots, coats and other personal items within easy reach?  Do you have an emergency preparedness kit?  If not see the recommendations here.

(22) Do you have important tax records, wills, deeds and other documents stored in an off site, secure location like a safety deposit box?

(23) Would you know how to contact your creditors if your internet service was out for an extended period?

(24) Would you have a way to recharge your cell phone if the power was out?

(25) Do you have candles, matches, flashlights and back up batteries on hand?  Can you get to them easily?

(26) Do you know what your employer’s expectation are if there’s an earthquake that causes significant damage in the area?

(27) Do you keep at least some cash or traveler’s checks stored in a safe place that will be accessible?

(28) Is anyone in your household receiving medical care?  Would they still be able to get it in an emergency?  For example, would they still be able to get oxygen or medication?

(29) Do you keep an adequate supply of medications on hand at all times?  If you needed to relocate quickly, would you know who to contact to get a copy of your prescription information?

(30) Do you wear contacts or glasses?  Do you have a copy of your prescription should your eye wear be lost or destroyed?

(31) Have you gone through your home to inspect for potential risks like items falling off shelves, furniture that might fall over, etc.? Is there anything you hang on the wall above your head while sleeping like a picture or lamp that might fall in a quake? Have you attached bookshelves and cabinets to walls?  More ideas here.

(32) Do you know if your water heater is strapped to the wall?  How about your TV?

(33) Do you know whether your walls were strapped and bolted to the foundation when your home was built?  If not, have you considered getting a professional “retrofit” evaluation from a contractor?  For a good FAQ on retrofitting a home from a Bay area contractor see this.

(34) Do you keep at least a quarter tank of gas in your car at all times?

Few people are truly ready for a disaster like Japan’s recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami, but you can arm yourself with information and make sure to have some basic supplies on hand.

For some great earthquake and emergency preparedness tips go to:

1)  The U.S. government’s FEMA website

2) The U.S. government’s USGS website

3) RedCross.org

By Bob Anderson

© 2011 Javabird LLC. All rights reserved.

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