I was scanning the Glendale Newpress earlier today and thought that these were some werthy tips to pass along.
Magnitude 5.4 temblor caused little damage, but it reminded locals to be prepared.
By Veronica Rocha
Published:
GLENDALE — Tuesday’s magnitude 5.4 earthquake that rattled Southern California has reminded some Glendale residents of the need to prepare themselves for potential disasters.
Since the quake, at least 50 aftershocks have been recorded, with the largest being magnitude 3.8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Residents should keep a three- to five-day supply of food and water inside their homes, said Public Education Coordinator Tanya Gregorian of the Glendale Fire Department.
Homeowners should be able to identify a gas leak, she said, but they shouldn’t shut off their gas because of an earthquake, Gregorian said.
“Shut it off when you start to smell gas,” she said.
People shouldn’t panic during an earthquake and run out of their homes or other structures because there are other dangers outside, such as faulty power lines, Gregorian said.
During an earthquake, people should drop to the floor, take cover under a table and hold on, according to the Los Angeles County’s Emergency Survival Program earthquake guide. When driving during an earthquake, motorists should pull over.
Pet owners are advised to store an additional supply of pet food and water, along with pet medicine, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles.
Homeowners must create and coordinate a disaster plan for earthquakes, Gregorian said.
“It’s really important everybody in the household is on the same page,” she said.
The Fire Department received an irregular number of calls on Tuesday from Glendale residents, asking to join its Community Emergency Response Team, Gregorian said.
http://http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2008/07/31/news/gnp-earthquake31.txt
