Earthquake Preparedness in Canton MA

The Great American Shakeout 2012

 Earthquake Preparedness

Yesterday on October 18, 2012 at 10:20 a.m, over 14 million people all over the United States and other parts of the world participated in the Great American Shakeout. It was first started in California in 2008 where governmental offices and schools teamed up with law enforcement, fire departments, business leaders, community activists and medical staff at local hospitals. It is a simulation of a high magnitude earthquake and everyone is given a role. Kids and employees may be bystanders, injured persons or employees. Now there are so many volunteers who help in this drill.

It is very realistic as fake blood is used and the injured are wrapped with bandages and taken to the hospitals for treatment. This simulation is a good learning experience for all involved as it gets everyone prepared in case a big earthquake hits their area.

This simulation in 2008 in California had 9.3 million assisting and this year, 2012, many other states in the US and other countries all over the world. There was over 14 million signed up for the Great American Shakeout 2012. California, Alaska, Gulf States and Canada have been having earthquakes for many years. In the past couple of years other states have started having some major earthquakes therefore all the state officials are trying to get everyone prepared.

Here are a few reminders for all of us:

·       If you feel an earthquake, do not run outside. Glass from the upper floors will fall out and cut you or worse….

·       Stop, Duck and Cover is the general rule especially for school children as this is a standard procedure taught in the schools across the US.

·       If there is no solid object to duck under, try to find a doorway that is a major artery.

·       Do not get into the elevators.

·       Turn off the gas meter if you are involved in a major earthquake. Most newer meters have the automatic earthquake valve installed and will automatically shut it off to protect your home from fire or explosions.

·       Keep water, canned foods, dog food, baby food, and extra medicine if possible.

·       Take care of any immediate injuries; Bleeding and Breathing first.

·       Have a first aid kit at home with bandages, ointment and even a first aid guide.

·       Enroll in classes @ American Red Cross for Emergency Disasters and for CPR.

·       Be sure to check on seniors and children as soon as possible.

·       DO NOT CALL FRIENDS/ FAMILIES IN ANOTHER AREA IMMEDIATELY. This can overload the system when people are trying to call 911. Wait for them to call you.

·       Have a plan as to what you will do if the big one hits.

·       Keep shoes nearby…do not run out bared footed as there will be a lot of glass.

·       Keep bleach on hand so if you need to purify your water, you can add bleach to make it drinkable.

·       You can drain water from your water heater if you have no running water. You can save it in the bathtub or plastic containers.

·       Try not to open your freezer and refrigerator very often so your food will not go bad as fast.

·       Keep some cash on hand as the ATM machines will probably not be working.

·       Keep your vehicles full of gas in case you have to evacuate.

·       If driving, keep an eye out for downed electrical wires and trees.

·       USE COMMON SENSE and BE PREPARED.

Drop, Cover and Hold-On. Are you ready? Are you prepared? Get involved in groups and get the word out. Make plans and communicate with others.

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