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Quake Watch
Earthquakes can hit at anytime, so it's best to always be prepared. Here's what you should have in your survival kit and what precautions you need to take in your home.
Earthquake Kit
One gallon of water per person for at least three days. Water purification tablets can also be useful.
Enough non-perishable food for three days. Canned foods last the longest, but be sure you have a can opener. Nutrition bars, beef jerky and dried fruits are also good energy-providers.
Flashlight and portable radio with batteries. Keep spare batteries on hand for easy replacement.
Cooking equipment, such as a barbecue or camping stove.
A first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
Food and water for pets.
Blankets and extra clothing.
Tiolet tissue, diapers and other personal hygiene products. Use a heavy-duty plastic bag for disposal.
Tent and sleeping bag.
Tools. Wrenches, axes, hammers, crowbars and rope might come in handy for tasks such as shutting off gas and water.
For Your Home
Secure heavy wall hangings by anchoring them into studs, not just the wall. Never put anything heavy over your bed.
Bookshelves should also be secured to walls, using L-shaped braces. Small guardrails can be attached to prevent items from sliding off in an earthquake. Try not to put the heaviest objects on the highest shelves.
Put latches on cupboards and cabinets to keep them shut. Small pieces of adhesives or putty can help keep collectibles in place.
Lights and hanging plants should be anchored into the ceiling's wood beams, not just through plastic or panels.
Brace your free-standing water heater using steel plumber's tape.
Know where your gas meter and shut-off valve are. Have an adjustable wrench handy for turning it off. You can also have an automatic shut-off valve installed.
Check your home's foundation to see if the wood is secured to the concrete. Older homes may need to be retrofitted.
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