News following Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunamis shows how important it is to be prepared for an emergency. The Pacific Northwest is earthquake country, with much of Idaho’s beauty being formed by the seismic forces beneath our feet. Do you know what to do during an earthquake or other natural disaster? Do you have food and water stored for an emergency if grocery store shelves are bare?
Identify Potential Hazards in Your Home and Begin to Fix Them:
Unsecured objects in your home or place of business can cause injury during an earthquake
Make sure heavy objects, like bookcases, entertainment centers, and large electronic devices are properly secured
Identify and secure smaller objects in your home or business that could cause injury or become projectiles during an earthquake
Create a disaster-preparedness plan with your family
Discuss how to protect yourself during an earthquake, safe spots in every room, and what to do if you are separated
Routinely plan and practice what to during an earthquake
Emergency preparedness kits are supplies you may need when an earthquake hits
At a minimum, you should have a three-day supply of food and water with one gallon of water per person per day
To learn more about essential items to include in your emergency preparedness kit, visit the American Public Health Association website
If you have questions about the ability of your home to withstand an earthquake, you may want to check with a building inspector or structural engineer
Take the Structural-Safety Quiz for Homes and Other Buildings on page 30 of the Handbook for Earthquakes in Idaho
For more information about earthquakes in Idaho and the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, including historical and geological information, see the Handbook for Earthquakes in Idaho published by the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and the Idaho Geological Survey.