Emergency Preparedness: Part One-Earthquakes

December 19, 2011

You need to prepare for a disaster before it occurs. Planning what to do ahead of time is an important part of being prepared. One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and the aftershocks. What is an Earthquake? An Earthquake is the sudden and unexpected movement of the Earth's Plates. The sudden release of pressure built up over long periods of time causes these plates to shift. Imagine two rows of cars. Each row is facing the other and each car in the row is moving forward. Once the opposing cars meet, the force of the other cars pushing forward will eventual cause the front cars to move. Once they move, the pressure is released. Earthquakes have the same concept. The intensity of the Earthquake is determined by the amount of pressure in existence. Earthquakes can be very dangerous in populated areas. If the Earthquake is centered at sea, a Tsunami is possible. Some things you can do to prepare is to have a mobile and stationary emergency supply kit and to develop and practice a family emergency plan. Other preparation can be repairing defective wiring and gas lines. Secure heavy items in your house such as your water heater and heavy wall units. Locate safe spots in each room that are reinforced such as under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. As a family, you need to Practice Duck Cover and Hold.



The next installment will include information on preparing an emergency supply kit and a family emergency plan. If you need information on emergency preparedness, contact Avalon Sheriff's Station Deputy Burt Lyon at (310) 510-0174. Emergency Preparedness brochures are also available at Avalon Station, 215 Sumner Ave.





Deputy Burt Lyon



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