Have you heard the joke about the earthquake?

July 9, 2019

…It’s GROUNDBREAKING! ;-P

All kidding aside, living in Southern California it is imperative to be prepared for earthquakes. In light of recent significant quakes, now is the time to ensure that your home (owned or rental) can withstand future tremors. Please take some time to review this checklist and make sure your family has an updated disaster kit readily available. I sincerely hope you’ll never need to use it but implore you to prepare, just in case.

Best,
Nic

Earthquake Preparedness

Make sure your home’s foundation has been properly retrofitted for earthquake safety. I’m happy to offer referrals.
Ensure that your water heater tank is properly strapped.
Know the safe spots in each room away from swinging doors and glass windows.
Keep a pair of sturdy shoes next to your bed.
Have a secondary exit from upper floors, in case the staircase is blocked, damaged or burning.
Secure items in the garage that could fall and block or damage the vehicles.
Create a Disaster Plan with a designated meeting place outside the residence and run drills so it can be executed in the dark and under stress.
If you are a renter, ask your landlord to confirm that everything is up to date in compliance with earthquake regulations.

Disaster Kit

Water for 3 days (1 gallon per person per day)
3-day supply of non-perishable foods for people & PETS (freeze dried, canned w/ manual can-opener, and dried foods requiring no cooking)
Flashlight w/ new batteries
Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
First-aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Whistle to signal for help
Personal medicines
Tools needed to turn off main utilities (wrench/pliers)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Emergency cash

Visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for additional emergency supplies.

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