Earthquake Preparedness
Earthquake Preparedness is essential for anyone living close to a fault line
Over the 30,000 people died in a recent earthquake in Iran. While many were trapped in collapsed buildings, many others died from the frigid night air when their house was lost. People did not have adequate supplies of basic needs like food and water and blankets. Earthquakes strike with no warning. While tornados and hurricanes ten to at least be preceded by a rain storm and can be monitored with radar, earthquakes come as a total surprise to everyone. There is no opportunity to stock up on supplies in the days ahead, because you don't know which days are the days ahead. That is why earthquake preparedness is essential TODAY. When an earthquake strikes the general rule is to drop, cover, and hold on. You should avoid moving more than a few feet unless the spot that you are in is extremely unsafe. You should stay indoors until the shaking stops and avoid windows. However before you are faced with this situation it is very important that you develop a Disaster Preparedness kit. Major earthquakes can lead to long periods of time without power or heat, and adequate preparation could make a tremendous difference in your life. A well planned disaster kit should include the following: A first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members, and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. To make your life much easier, not to mention safer, the American Red Cross has developed a wide array of prefabricated disaster kits. Suck kits were designed specifically for the situations likely to be encountered by earthquake survivors. The proceeds from the sale of these kits go to supporting the work of the Red Cross, the world's largest disaster relief organization. Click below for more information about available kits directly from the Red Cross.
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