Being prepared for an earthquake is the key to saving
lives and property. Get some good advice by selecting from among the following
categories:
Emergency Services. Various government
agencies help the public cope with the effects of an earthquake.
- FEMA. Go here
to learn more about disaster assistance programs administered by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
- OES. The Governor's
Office of Emergency Services coordinates earthquake preparedness, response
and recovery efforts in California. This site also has useful safety suggestions
for homes, schools and businesses.
- Seismic Safety. The
California Seismic Safety Commission helps speed earthquake recovery by
developing and monitoring risk mitigation programs.
Homeowner Information. Check these
sites to learn how to make your home a more quake-safe place.
- Homerisk. California
homeowners can go here to get help assessing the seismic risk of their
property.
- PG&E. The
Bay Area's utility company offers safety and emergency information, including
instructions on how to brace a water heater and turn off the gas.
Survival Strategies and Supplies. It's
never too soon to prepare safety plans and disaster kits for your family.
These sites make it easier to do.
- Red Cross.
The American Red Cross presents worthwhile safety information, including
directions on how to make a home
earthquake plan and a disaster
supplies kit.
- Community Preparedness. This
site supports community agencies that serve vulnerable populations in
California. It provides disaster preparedness information in different
languages for persons with special needs, and it also has advice for animal
owners.
- Epicenter. Search
the Emergency Preparedness Information Center for disaster preparedness
tips and products.
Most of us realize how important it is to have a disaster kit at home.
But it's equally important to have a smaller kit in your car. Here's a list
of items for a 24-hour disaster kit that will fit in an easy-to-carry box
or bag. You should have a kit like this, plus no less than a half-full tank
of gas, whenever you drive in the Bay Area. Remember, the Loma Prieta earthquake
happened during rush hour.
