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Show To survive an earthquake, stay calm and follow list of safety procedures By GARY R. BLODGETT FARMINGTON - The question is not if an earthquake will strike the Wasatch Front, but when? Will Davis County residents be . prepared? There are several do's and don'ts to preparing for a potential earthquake earth-quake disaster things to do before, during and after a quake hits. ; : Things to do to prepare for potential poten-tial disaster include having a 72-hour 72-hour emergency preparedness kit ready, jiave an ample supply of bottled water, have a food supply on hand, and have extra emergency supplies such as a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra clothing, bedding, and a portable stove. Also, bolt down heavy appliances and furniture which could shift throughout a room during an earthquake. earth-quake. , There are also several things to do, and not do, during and after an earthquake. Many deaths and serious seri-ous injuries occur as a result of aftershocks or because simple procedures pro-cedures were not followed. Terrilyn Hansen, of the Davis County Emergency Preparedness Office in Farmington, outlined some of the safety precautions to follow during an earthquake. First, stay calm. Panic leads to unnecessary injury or death. If inside a building, stay inside. Don't try to run outside and take a chance of being hit by falling debris. Stand in a sturdy doorway, or get under a bed, desk or table as a protection against falling debris. Stay away from outer walls, windows and fireplaces. If outside a building at the time of a quake, remain away from alj buildings, trees, and power poles. Stay in the open area and wait for the jolt to subside. If driving, pull off the road and remain in your vehicle. Do not park on a bridge, overpass or under an overpass. If in a office building or store, stay next to the inner pillars or supports, sup-ports, and if possible get under a desk or other heavy piece of furniture. fur-niture. After an initial jolt, prepare for aftershocks which almost always accompany the main quake. Check yourself and your family for injuries. Turn off all gas, power and water lines into the home. Check for fires and extent of damage, and clean up all spills ; which have occurred. Turn on a battery-operated radio for further instructions. Use the telephone only in extreme emergency. Keep the telephone ' lines open for emergency needs. Do not use matches or candles, for light or heat. Leaking gas fumes', could cause a major explosion. Don't turn the light switch on and-off and-off because doing so could cause a spark and ignite a fire or explosion. Follow evacuation procedures To reduce family stress, make m advance plans where to go and what ' to do in case of an earthquake. Plan i with the children a primary and"1; alternate route of evacuation from j the home. Know where your children are, and plan with neighbors what to do if neighbor j children are unable to get home : j safely. Children at school should remain ! at the school and follow instructions .' of the principal and teachers. Neighborhood groups, LDS wards, etc., should have plans for disasters - and share in me safety ; and comfort of others during and '-' after a disaster. ' For further information, call the - j Davis County Emergency Preparedness Office, 451-5111 or J 451-3504. |
