Earthquake Safety: Being Prepared

Earthquake Safety: Being Prepared

Earthquake Safety: Being Prepared

Earthquake safety is something all California residents should be familiar with. If you live in Southern California, then odds are you’ve experienced a minor earthquake at some time or another. Usually, it’s not a big deal. You feel a slight shaking for a few seconds and then you move on with your day. However, California has had its share of massive, destructive earthquakes in the past, which is why it’s important to be prepared in the event of a major earthquake. It’s one of the reasons why the Great Shakeout was organized.

The Great Shakeout Earthquake Safety Drill

The Great Shakeout drill is held once a year. This year, it will take place at 10:21 a.m. on October 21st. The idea behind the drill is to pretend like a real earthquake is happening wherever you are. By participating in the drill, you will learn how to act when an actual earthquake occurs. As such, the drill is a great way to spread awareness of earthquake safety. You can register for the Great Shakeout online to receive email updates.

Earthquake Safety Tips

The following are the safety tips that you should follow in the event of an earthquake. Keep in mind that these are the steps that you will practice during the Great Shakeout:

  1. Drop to the ground – As soon as you feel an earthquake, drop to the ground. Major tremors can cause you to lose your balance, fall, and hurt yourself, which is why you should drop to the ground right away.
  2. Protect yourself – Major earthquakes can cause things to fall or collapse, so use your arm to protect your head while you find cover (such as under a desk). If there’s no cover inside, stay away from windows and stay near an interior wall.
  3. Hold on – Either continuously protect your head or hold onto your shelter until the shaking stops.

To prepare for a potential earthquake, you should also put together a list of out-of-town contacts for you and your family. This ensures that everyone knows who to call or text in case of an emergency. 

For more earthquake safety tips or for safety advice in general, visit us at The Benefits Store today.