72-hour kit: Preparation eases disaster's impact

Do you have a 72-hour disaster emergency kit?

If you don't, it would be a wise idea to have one available, says the director of Yuma County Emergency Management.

On Tuesday, an earthquake of a 5.4 magnitude shook Southern California, the region from Los Angeles to San Diego. Media reports showed that homes and businesses suffered minor damages such as cracked walls, broken mirrors and toppled door frames.

Though there haven't been any recent reports of earthquakes in Yuma County, it should be wise to prepare just in case.

However, near Yuma County, there are the San Andreas and Imperial earthquake fault lines and that's something people should take note of, said Lou MIranda, county emergency management director.

"We do have to worry about that being one of your threats and that's stuff we have to prepare for," Miranda said.

Historically, Yuma County did have a couple of severe earthquakes. In May 1940, an earthquake struck which was the magnitude of 7.1 and another in 1971 which was a magnitude of 6.5, he said. Also, a series of earthquakes was felt in Yuma County for a few weeks in February.

There are a number of things you can do to prepare before, during and after an earthquake, he said.

In your work area or home, make sure you secure heavy or tall furniture such as china cabinets and mirrors, so it won't fall on you or anybody else, he said. Also, place latches on doors and cabinets to keep them closed so they won't fling themselves open and hit you if an earthquake were to happen.

Now, when the earthquake is actually happening and you are indoors, protect yourself by taking cover under a sturdy table or desk. If you happen to be outside, stay away from trees, powerlines or a building, he said. If you happen to be driving, when it's safe, pull over to the side of the road and stay away from overpasses, bridges and powerlines.

After the earthquake, remain calm and help anybody needs it. Switch on the radio or TV for any reports. Check the home for any structural damages, check any kind of water or gas leaks and also check appliances and utilities.

"Basically, the best advice that I can give to people is to have any kind of emergency kit," he said. "The more you do to prepare, the better off you'll be able to keep yourself and your family safe."

Tracy Kiest, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross, said people should at least review earthquake safety tips a couple of times a year so it would become second nature when dealing with an actual emergency.

"Everybody knows it's a good idea to be prepared but very few people actually do it, unless they have been impacted by a disaster before," Kiest said. "Make it a family activity and get it done just to be prepared. It'll make that chaotic situation more manageable and less stressful."

For more information on how to prepare for an earthquake, visit the American Cross Web site at www.redcross.org.

---

KIT CONTENTS

Prepare a 72-hour disaster supplies kit for home and car in case of an emergency:

- First aid kit and essential medications or nonprescription drugs.

- Canned food and can opener.

- At least three gallons of water per person.

- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

- Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

- Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity and water if authorities advise you to do so.

- Keeping essentials, such as flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

Source: American Red Cross

---

Stephanie Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@yumasun.com or 539-6847.