What to do Before an Earthquake

1.     Check for hazards in the area of the building where the Church and Childrens Ministry meet. If hazards are discovered, notify the owner of the building and request that the hazards be stored, secured, removed or repaired and the building be made safe.

2.     Identify safe places inside and outside the area of the building where the Church and the Childrens Ministry meet. Safe places include under sturdy furniture, against an inside wall (away from where glass could shatter or heavy bookcases or furniture could fall), or outside, in the open, away from the building, trees, telephone and electrical lines.

3.     Members of the congregation are urged to purchase or create their own earthquake preparedness kit and keep it locked in their vehicle at all times. Members are advised to have a similar kit at home, sufficient to cover the needs of their individual household for several (5-7) days.  The kit should contain as many of the following items as possible:

     a.   Flashlight, extra bulbs and batteries

                    b.   Batteries and a radio (transistor and battery operated)

                    c.   A-B-C rated fire extinguisher 

                    d.   Cash or travelers checks (carry on the person)

e.      Bottled water and other liquids

f.        Adequate supply of canned/perishable and other foods

g.       Non-electric can opener, pocket knife, utensils, cups, plates, etc.

h.      First aid kit and handbook

i.         Toilet paper, toweletts, waterproof garbage bags and plastic ties

j.        Whistle, wrench or pliers, dust mask

k.       Personal hygiene items

l.         Small cooking stove and matches (in waterproof container)

m.    Any medications a person my need (prescribed as well a common over the counter medications needed in this sort of situation)

n.      Water purification kit, including tablets and water container

o.      Warm clothes, coat and sturdy shoes

p.      Gloves, blankets, sleeping bag and a tent or simple shelter

q.      Cell phone charger (run off vehicle or solar charged)

r.        Personal identification information, bank and insurance information, medical and other benefit plan cards, and the emergency contact phone numbers listed above

s.       Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (16 drops/1 gallon of water)

4.       People should have a contact number (generally a cell phone) and a prearranged

             location for them to meet family members, friends, etc., should they get separated.

5.       Check websites for earthquake preparedness kit information (both purchase and “build  your own”).  A few examples are: www.survivorind.com,

 www.areyouprepared.com, 

  www.fema.gov/areyouready/earthquakes, www.iprepare.com, 

6.       BACC will designate a specific trained individual to shut off utilities should a disaster occur. The person should only undertake this action if it is safe to do so.

7.       Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR training course.

8.      Have emergency contact information readily available for quick access, either on your person, in your vehicle or on your cell phone.  This information can be found on the BACC Emergency Contact Information handout.