During an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are indoors when an earthquake starts, stay there. Many injuries occur when people try to enter or exit a building during an earthquake. Keep away from windows or tall, heavy furniture that could fall over and use the "drop, cover and hold on" method to protect yourself.
Although some different advice (called the "triangle of life") has been circulating that challenges this method, the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue to support their long-standing recommendation to "drop, cover and hold on." U.S. studies have shown this to be the best method of protection in an earthquake.
If you are outside when the shaking starts, try to get out into the open, away from buildings, trees and power lines. If you are in a car, pull over to the side of the road and stop the car. Don't park under an overpass or power lines. Stay in the car until the earthquake is over. If you suspect damage has been severe, don't cross bridges or overpasses and keep an eye out for damage.
After the shaking has stopped, be very careful. Open doors cautiously, don't use candles or matches (there may be gas leaks), and don't flush toilets until you know that the sewer lines are intact. Listen to your radio for more information and be prepared for aftershocks.
Once you've learned the steps to take to protect yourself during an earthquake, it's time to turn your attention to what you can do beforehand to make your home and workplace as earthquake-proof as possible. As with any disaster, you'll want to have an emergency kit: a flashlight with batteries, a portable radio with batteries, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, water, some warm clothes or blankets and any special items (prescriptions, glasses, baby food, etc.) needed.
Show responsible members of the household or office where to find and how to shut off gas, electricity and water. Never shut off the gas unless it is necessary (a leak, for example). Gas cannot be turned back on except by the gas company, and then all pilot lights will have to be relit. Show everyone where to find the fire extinguishers and how to use them.
Conduct an earthquake hazard hunt. Be sure that your hot water heater is strapped to studs in the wall. Tall, heavy furniture also should be fastened to studs so that it cannot tip over. Check that heavy hanging items (plants, mirrors, pictures, etc.) are fastened securely and are not hanging over beds. Cabinets should have latches that will not give to let dishes fly out. Flammable liquids should always be out of the house and separated from each other.
Life on the Kenai Peninsula is exciting enough without the risk of being unprepared for one of nature's biggest wake-up calls. Take a few minutes today to help your family or workplace prepare for an earthquake.
Kimberly Lorentzen is the Kenai Peninsula Citizen Corps Coordinator at the borough's Office of Emergency Management. She can be reached at klorentzen@borough.kenai.ak.us.
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