“10.5” Mini-Series Underscores Earthquake Preparedness

Written by Bonnie Gillespie , Staff Writer, RedCross.org

Tuesday, April 27, 2004 — In NBC’s momentous mini-series “10.5” that airs May 2-3, main character Dr. Samantha Hill may face the unprecedented challenge of saving the West Coast from the biggest earthquake ever recorded, but the fictional chronicle serves as a tangible reminder that residents in quake-prone areas should always be prepared for the unexpected.

The tremendous devastation caused by massive earthquakes is evident in this image following the Bam, Iran earthquake of December 2003. Image Courtesy of the IFRC

Disaster preparedness experts with the American Red Cross work year-around to equip residents in high risk areas for the potential calamity of a major quake in their region. The recent catastrophic quakes in Iran and Morocco were again urgent beacons for the importance of preparedness.

According to Red Cross officials, preparing a home earthquake plan is the first step families and individuals living in earthquake-prone areas should take and includes the following:

• Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
• Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Choose an out-of-town family contact.
• Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
• Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
• Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.

Eliminating hazards from your home is also another important aspect of earthquake preparedness and includes:

• Bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Installing strong latches on cupboards.
• Strapping the water heater to wall studs.

Families in earthquake-prone areas should also make sure to prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit for the home and car that contains:

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
• Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

In the event that an earthquake should occur, residents should know what to do when the shaking begins.

• DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Following a quake, it’s important to identify what to do after the shaking stops.

• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
• Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

NBC is a division of General Electric, a major supporter of the American Red Cross. To learn more, click here.

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