A new report by the Los Angeles Times indicates that more than 1,000 old concrete buildings in Los Angeles and hundreds more throughout the county may be at risk of collapsing in a major earthquake.
Earthquakes are a fact of life, particularly in California. According to the state department of conservation, each year the Golden State generally gets two or three earthquakes large enough to cause moderate damage to structures (magnitude 5.5 and higher).
There are actions individuals can take to protect themselves before, during and after a quake. If you are indoors when a temblor happens, the Los Angeles County Fire Department says do the following:
• Be aware that a larger earthquake might occur after the initial quake.
• Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped.
• When you feel an earthquake, duck under a desk or sturdy table.
• Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall.
• Watch out for falling plaster and ceiling tiles. Stay covered or in a well protected environment until the shaking stops and hold onto your cover. If it moves, move with it.
• Drop to the ground; take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and hold on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
If outdoors:
• Stay there.
• Move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical wires and poles. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the outdoor fatalities have occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
• If you’re driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards. Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle until the shaking is over. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
After the earthquake:
• Remain calm and reassure others.
• Communicate with your family and other loved ones.
• Inspect utilities in your home.
• Help others cope, especially children.
• If you have to evacuate, leave a note about your whereabouts and take all cash, medicine and valuable papers with you.
Before an earthquake:
• Establish a family plan where everyone knows to contact one person to establish their safety. Ideally, designate someone who lives out of area to call, text or email. Create a family reunification plan.
• Learn how to shut off the water, electricity and gas at the main fuse box or valve. Only shut these items off if necessary—broken water lines; you smell or see gas leaking. Check for gas leaks by smell only. Only turn off the electricity, if you see frayed wires, sparks or smell hot insulation. If you turn off these services do not turn them back on until the utility companies have checked your home.
• If you have children, check school emergency plans to find out who officials will release your children to.
• Put together a list of local emergency agencies and include it in your emergency kit.
• Put all your important legal and medical papers in plastic and place in an easily accessible location.
• Check this web site for information on how to prepare your home for an earthquake: http://fire.lacounty.gov/safetypreparedness/PDFs/Emergency%20Prepardness.pdf.
Emergency supplies:
• Put together your emergency kit with enough food and water for each person for 72 hours.
• Include a flashlight and batteries
• Include a battery-operated radio
• A wrench to shut off gas and water
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit and handbook
• Non-electric can opener
• Personal medical supplies
• Fire extinguisher
