Drop, Cover & Hold On ~ It’s Shakeout Day!

DROP, COVER and HOLD ON! Today, October 18th, at 10:18am millions of Californians will be practicing an earthquake drill called The Great California Shakeout. Will you? The Great California Shakeout is not just practiced in schools, but companies and individuals will be participating to generate state-wide awareness, as well to prepare for the next “big one.” This means that wherever you are at that moment—at home, at work, at school, anywhere—you should drop, cover and hold on. During this simulation, act as if there were a major earthquake occurring and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds. As my friend said to me, “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.” This seems scary, but it’s true. The Great Shakeout is a opportunity for people to learn how to be safer and more knowledgeable before, during and after an earthquake rattles us.

At my recent neighborhood safety meeting our block captain shared great advice to have a diaster kit made and accessable to for everyone in your house. 

This is something you can start working on today:

1. Assemble and keep in a bin under your bed (ideally for each member of your family):
2. Helmet or hard hat
3. Sturdy shoes or boots
4. Leather work gloves
5. Flashlight

Here are seven steps to Earthquake Safety:

1. Secure it now! – Conduct a “hazard hunt” and locate furniture and large items in your home that need to be secured such as bookcases, shelves, televisions and frames.
2. Make a plan – set up an evacuation and recover plan. It is important to have out-of-state contacts. When a disaster strikes, phone lines in your region most likely will not be able to reach other in-state lines and only calls outside your state are more likely to work.
3. Make disaster kits – This is something we all know we should have accessible in your home, work and vehicle, however many of do not. This should include food, water, flashlight, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medication, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc. More Prepared is the company my neighbors and I ordered our supplies from.
4. Is your place safe? – It’s best to consult an architect or contractor to help evaluate the structure and foundation security of your building.
5. Drop, cover and hold on – During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
6. Check it out! – Knowing first-aid is a major skill to have when a situation such as an earthquake happens. Make sure to administer first-aid to those in need and to be able to look for hazards like with gas, water and electricity. Locating these three spots in your home is very important and knowing when and how to turn off your gas. remember, though you can turn your gas off, only the gas company can turn it back on.
7. communicate and recover -

Manhattan Beach police suggest at least 7 days supply of the following:

1. Water: one gallon per person, per day. Also, consider pet’s water needs.
2. prescription  medication.
3. Formula, diapers, basic hygiene items
4. Food: choose food your family will eat, remember any special dietary needs, avoid foods that will make you thirsty.  Also consider pet food if needed.

 So, if you happen to see someone jump off an eliptical machine at the gym today to drop, cover and hold on, join me! You can register by clicking here, its simple and free to do.

Stay safe and prepared, Peers!