We all need to remember that the St. Louis Area and areas south and east of St. Louis are in what is considered from Moderate to Very High earthquake hazard zones.
While the movement of the ground is seldom the actual cause of injuries and death. Most casualties result from partial building collapse or falling objects and debris and most of these conditions can be prevented.
Before the Earthquake
Below are some of the things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of an earthquake. A lot of these suggestions can be used for any disaster
Build an emergency kit that will last at least 3 days:
- Water-one gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food with manual can opener
- Flashlight, weather radio, am/fm radio with extra batteries for each
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags for storage and personal sanitation. Plastic sheeting and duct tape for shelters
- Wrench and pliers
- Clothes
- Pet needs
- First Aid kits
- Important family papers, phone numbers, email addresses, other social media contact information and unique family needs like prescription and medications, eyeglasses, formula and diapers for infants
Build two kits, one that can stay at your home and another if you need to get away from the area. We in the fire service call them “GO BAGS”
Have a family communication plan:
Each family member calls, emails, tweets, etc. the same relative or friend that is out of town.
What else can you do?
- Place large and heavy items and breakable items on lower shelves
- Keep flammables, weed killers and pesticides products low in cabinets behind closed and locked doors
- Fasten heavy objects and shelves to walls
- Know how to turn off gas at the meter and electric at the panel box
If You Have To Leave Your Home
- Leave a note in clear view of where you are heading
- Call the out of town contact and tell them where you are heading
- Try to turn off gas, electric and water
- Bring your emergency kit
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Call the out of town contact when you get to where you are staying and safe
All of these suggestions can be used any time you are forced to leave your home because of thunderstorm, tornado, flood, snow, ice