LIVING in California, means living with earthquakes. They can happen at any time. Are you and your family prepared? If not, you may want to familiarize yourself with these earthquake safety tips.
The best protection during an earthquake is to get under heavy furniture such as a desk, table or bench. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Fatalities often happen when people run outside of buildings and get hit by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass and falling objects.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has information to help you prepare for all types of disasters, including earthquakes. Here are a few:
Check your home for hazards – make sure shelves are fastened securely to walls; large, heavy objects and breakable items are stored on lower shelves; pictures and mirrors are hung away from areas where people sit and sleep; check for defective electrical wiring and gas leaks as these pose potential fire hazards
Identify safe places in each room – under sturdy furniture; against an inside wall; away from where glass could shatter or heave furniture might topple
Locate safe places outside – open spaces away from falling debris and electrical lines
Have disaster supplies on had – flashlights; portable battery-operated radio; first aid kit and essential medicines; emergency food and water; hand-operated can opener; cash and credit cards; sturdy shoes
Develop and emergency communication plan – in case family members get separated, have a designated place to meet; ask an out-of-state relative to be your family contact and make sure everyone has the phone number
A little advance planning can help you and your family weather disasters of any kind more safely. And remember … earthquake damage is generally not covered by your homeowners insurance. So include your insurance agent in your planning.
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If you suspect a scam, call the NICB hotline at 1–800–TEL–NICB.
For information about auto insurance and insurance fraud, contact your insurance agent.
( Published October 24, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. C5 )
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