One of the most dreadful experiences that anybody would never like to experience is an earthquake. Earthquakes are capable of doing collateral damage and causing extreme harm. I am going to take you through a small apartment disaster preparedness, and if you are living in a earthquake prone zone, you should make sure when disaster hits you are ready. When we have a plan and know what to do to stay safe, it really helps you even though I pray you never ave to experience an earthquake.
Renter’s Insurance
If you are staying on rent, get an renter’s insurance to safeguard your household items in case of emergencies like natural disasters. Your land lord might have house insurance but it does not cover your house hold items as you are staying on rent. So, get a renter’s insurance to insure your possessions should a disaster happen.
Be prepared
Take time and think things through to prepare you and your family so you know what to do if one ever happens. Some things that are recommended by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to protect your family and yourself and your property.
– Use lower shelves to store large or heavy things, and fasten shelves, mirrors and large frames to your walls.
– Use low shelves to store bottled foods, glass and other breakables. You can store these things in cabinets that fasten shut.
– Know safe spots in your apartment.
– Prepare a small hand bag containing only absolutely necessary essentials that you will require in case of an emergency.
– Have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.
– Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines and inflexible utility connections.
– Hold earthquake drills in your house to train your kids and family to deal with a situation.
During an Earthquake
We prepare ourselves so that we know what to do during an actual occurrence of an earthquake. Most important thing is to stay calm and safe. If you are indoors, FEMA recommends that you take cover and hold on to something strong.
You should get under a sturdy table or piece of furniture and hold on until shaking subsides. If you are unable to find a sturdy piece of furniture then take cover in a corner of the building and use your arms and hands to cover your head and face.
Make sure you stay away from windows, glass, outside doors, outside walls and anything that could fall.
Do not use elevators and stay inside the building until shaking stops.
Hope these tips come in handy in an emergency situation. Always remember, “Precaution is better than cure”, So no matter what happens, let’s be prepared for the worst and let’s keep our family safe at all times.