Post Earthquake
RIGHT after an emergency, you may be confused or disoriented. Stay CALM.
HELP THE INJURED Help anyone who is injured. Get your emergency survival kit and your first aid kit.
LISTEN TO THE RADIO Listen to your local radio station for instructions. If you don’t already have a wind-up radio get one now. SOS has a great 4 in 1 wind-up radio and flashlight
DO NOT USE THE TELEPHONE Don’t use the telephone. Emergency crews will need all available lines.
CHECK YOUR HOME Check for damage to your home. Use a flashlight – do not use matches or turn on electrical switches if you suspect damage or smell gas. Check for fires, fire hazards or other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas, turn off the main valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly. Shut off any other damaged utilities. Clean up spilled medicines and bleaches. Confine or secure your pets. Check on your neighbours, especially the elderly or people with disabilities.
Time from time we get asked what do I do DURING a disaster. This blog is some insight to basic procedures but more information should be south out from Emergency Preparedness Canada, your provincial territorial emergency measures organization or your local Red Cross.
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE If you are in a building STAY INSIDE. Stay away from windows. get under a heavy desk or table and hang on. If you can’t get under something strong, flatten yourself against an interior wall, protect your head and neck. If you are OUTSIDE go to an open area. Move away from buildings or any structure that can collapse. Stay away from power lines and downed electrical wires. If you are in the CAR stop the car and STAY in it. Avoid bridges, overpasses and underpasses, buildings or anything that could collapse on you or the car.
Safety committee members must…
Duties
Work safely yourself-set the example in the department.
Will you think clearly and logically in a crisis? Not many of us can. So, do your clear and logical thinking now BEFORE a disaster strikes.
KNOW Find out what natural disasters could happen in your community. Know what to expect during each emergency.
LOOK Anticipate what could go wrong in your home or office and take corrective action. If you live in British Columbia, an earthquake zone, move or secure items that could fall and injure you (books, shelves, mirrors, paintings) . Secure items that could tip and start a fire (water heater, gas appliances).
PREPARE Your best protection in any emergency is knowing what to do. Read a brochure, take an emergency preparedness seminar, and act on the suggestions. Get an emergency kit ready that will keep you and your family or employees self sufficient for at least 72 hours. Make sure everything is an easy to carry container (our kits come in backpacks) in case you have to evacuate. Keep a smaller survival kit in the car (our SQ6005 is perfect).
Emergency preparedness starts with you. In your day to day living, disasters may seem a distant possibility. Yet natural disasters, such as floods or tornadoes, technological or environmental accidents, such as chemical spills; or service disruptions, such as power failures, can strike any community, including yours, at any time.
If you are unprepared for a disaster, it can shatter your life. expect the unexpected and plan for it… Knowing what to do when a disaster strikes will help you better control the situation and be in a better situation and be in a better position to recover more quickly.
No community is equipped to handle all the demands of a catastrophe. Help your community by helping yourself. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do before, during and after an emergency.
Have a plan.