Earthquakes and Being Prepared

1. Earthquakes and Being Prepared

2. Why you need to prepare for the next earthquake • Alaska has more earthquakes than any other region of the U.S. • And in fact is one of the most seismically active area of the world. • Great earthquakes (Earthquakes larger than magnitude 8) rock the state on average every 13 years since the 1900. • Only a matter of time before another major earthquake will impact a large number of Alaskans.

3. As individuals, we must take steps to prepare for earthquakes to… • Protect ourselves • Our loved ones • Our property • Identify the greatest hazards to your personal safety • Set priorities for using resources in the most effective way to reduce possible damage • Becoming aware of the hazards and taking appropriate actions, can drastically reduce the loss of life and property… the choice is yours

4. What to do during and earthquake… • If you are indoors • Drop to the floor and take cover under a STURDY desk or table. • Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. • Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move • Stay clear of • Windows • Heavy wall hangings • Fireplaces, woodstoves • Heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over

5. If you can not DROP, COVER, and HOLD • Then crouching against a sturdy wall with nothing above you and no windows nearby is an alternative. • If you are in a crowded area take cover where you are. • Stay calm, and encourage others to do the same.

6. If you are outside • Get into the open • Away from • Moving cars • Buildings • Power lines • Pipelines (gas lines) • Trees • If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock, snow, and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake

7. If you are driving • Stop if it is safe but stay inside your vehicle • Stay away from • Bridges • Overpasses • Tunnels • Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern • Avoid stopping under • Trees • Light posts • Power lines • Signs

8. FYI • In the past it was recommended that you stand in a doorway during an earthquake. This is not the best place to go because only one person can fit in a doorway, and you won’t be protected from falling and flying objects • A woman was trapped in a doorway during the Denali fault earthquake in 2002 when the door slammed shut on her hand. This not only injured her but also stopped her from taking cover from falling objects.

9. After the quake • Check for injuries: • Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injuries. • Check for gas leaks: • Shut off the main gas valve only if leak is suspected or identified. Wait for the gas company to turn it back on after the damage is repaired.

10. After the quake • Check Oil or Propane Tanks: • Check that the supports are intact and that connecting pipes and hoses are not broken • Check for Downed or Damaged Chimneys: • Approach chimneys with caution. They may be weakened and could topple during an aftershock.

11. After the quake • Damaged Electrical Wiring: • Shut off power at the distribution panel or breaker box. • Check Downed or Damaged Utility Lines: • Stay away from downed lines even if power appears to be off. • Check for Fallen Objects in Closets and Cupboards: • Displaced objects may fall when you open door.

12. After the quake • Check your Telephone: • Make sure each phone is on its receiver. Telephones that are off the hook tie up the telephone network. • Clean up Potentially Hazardous Material and or Medicines which may have spilled.

13. Little Villagers on the Coast line • Tsunami Hazard: • If you live along the coast be alert for news of tsunami warnings issued by the TWC (Tsunami Warning Center) • If you experience a strong earthquake there may not be time for a warning to be issued move to higher ground as soon as you can and stay there until the all clear

14. Preparing For an Earthquake • Practice “Drop Cover Hold” • Injuries and deaths during earthquakes are caused by falling objects and collapsing structures. • Develop and earthquake plan at home, school, work. • Determine the safest places in your home and at work • These should be away from • Heavy furniture or appliances • Woodstoves, fireplaces • Open shelves and book cases • and large panes of glass , pictures, or mirrors

15. Danger • The most common cause of earthquake related fires is broken gas lines. • Everyone should know how to turn off the gas supply at the meter in case they smell gas after a large earthquake. • Make sure you have a wrench that fits your gas turnoff valve and fasten it next to the valve.

16. Creating Gathering Zones • Pick two places to meet in case of emergency • Right outside your home • Outside your neighborhood in case you are not able to return home • Everybody must know the address and telephone number • Ask an out of state friend to be your family contact • After a disaster, its often easier to place a long distance telephone call than a local one. • Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. • Everyone must know your contacts phone number.

17. Emergency Supply List • Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least 7 days. • Store these items in sturdy , easy to carry containers such as • Backpacks, Duffel Bags, or Covered Trash Containers.

18. Emergency Supply List • These are the basics to have on hand for any emergency • Flashlights with Spare Batteries: • Keep a flashlight beside your bed. Do not use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain there are no gas leaks. • First Aid Kit & First Aid knowledge: • Have a first aid book such as Standard First Aide & Personal Safety by American Red Cross. • Have members of your house hold take basic Red Cross first aid and CPR courses. • Make sure you have a stocked and sanitary first aid kit. • Fire extinguisher: • Keep a fire extinguisher handy for small fires. • ABC extinguishers are designed to be used safely on any type of fire.

19. Emergency Supply List • Food: • Keep a supply of non perishable food on hand that can be rotated into your diet and replenished on a regular basis. • Have supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, & canned juices. • Water: • Water should be stored in airtight containers and replaced every six months. Store at least 3 gallons per person. • Warm Clothes and Blankets: • Have enough warm clothes and blankets and sleeping bags to survive sub zero winter temperatures. • If possible store these items outside the house in a easy access and stored in water proof bags. • Special Items: • Keep at least one weeks supply of medications and special foods on hand. • Plus any pet medication or dry/canned food for each pet.

20. Tsin’aen

21. Resources • Palmer Tsnunami Warning Center http://www.aeic.alaska.edu/html_docs/pdf_files/eqprepare.pdf • OSHA -https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/earthquakes.html