Image may be NSFW.
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Apparently not only are people nervous about flooding in my area, but there is talk of Earthquakes as well! Now me being from the land of earthquakes (California), I’m quite used to them. So used to them in fact that I have a funny story. I used to work the help desk while I was pregnant at the IT company I worked at. I was on a help desk call when she said “oh here’s an earthquake!” I said “we haven’t gotten it yet” and then our office started shaking. Not a single person stopped what they were doing in the office. We all just kept working away. No duck and cover, no running to the doorway, just like nothing was going on. I laughed because I thought it was pretty funny that it was sooo not a big deal to anyone there. My other funny earthquake story is when I was a little girl. I was playing outside when the earthquake started and my Mom yells out the back door… SARAH!! GET IN THE HOUSE RIGHT NOW!!! I replied back that I didn’t do it! Then I ended up falling asleep under the kitchen table waiting for aftershocks. Our family was writing in our respective journals that night and I didn’t know how to write so my parents would write what I was going to say and then I would copy it… so my journal entry from April 24th, 1984 states that we had a 6.0 Earthquack. I don’t remember who to blame… Mom or Dad?
So, now onto what to do in case of an earthquack. Image may be NSFW.
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Prepare – Make sure large book cases and furniture are bolted to the walls. Especially water heaters and gas appliances. Store glass foods on the bottom of the pantry (if they fall they will be less likely to break). Locate safe spots in the house (like under the kitchen table) or in doorways.
During – When you feel the ground start shakin’ don’t just sit there and continue your conversation like me. Duck and cover. That totally reminds me of elementry school when we would have earthquake drills in addition to fire drills… like I said, I’m from earthquake country. If you are inside, stay away from windows, glass or anything else that could fall on you (bookcases that aren’t secure, etc). Get to a doorway, or under something sturdy if they are close enough to reach. You don’t want to be wandering all over the house finding the perfect spot to take cover. If you are outside, stay where you are unless you are near a building or streetlights. Our outside had a large tree that I was playing near, which is probably why my Mom wanted me inside. Lastly, if you are in a moving vehicle stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Pull over (as long as it’s not under a building, overpass, trees, etc).
After – If you become trapped under debris, try not to scream or shout. You could inhale dangerous dust. Try tapping or knocking on something. You will probably be able to do that for a longer period of time, anyway. Prepare for aftershocks. The ground could still continue to shake for a little while, so make sure you stay near a sturdy location. Use flashlights… DO NOT USE MATCHES OR CANDLES if the power goes out. Earthquakes can cause gas leaks, and you could cause a major fire or explosion! Be careful not to step on broken glass and debris (put on some sturdy shoes). Check the house for any structural damage. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound then open a window and leave. Report it to the gas company and stay out. Open your cabinets cautiously as “items may have shifted during the flight”.
I think I’m all ready for the next “big one”. I’ve been hearing that since the day I was born in CA, and apparently Utah is not immune to the “big one” talk. Image may be NSFW.
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What I’m Buying or Doing This Week to Prepare
- I’m going to secure our bookshelves to the walls
What are YOU doing this week to prepare? Feel free to comment about it and it might actually get done!
