Be ready for natural disasters

Folks, 2012 brought us a wet spring and a beautiful summer. I’m sure we were all hoping the year would be capped off with a traditional winter: snow, skiing, snowboarding and even snow shovelling.

Out of the blue — or should I say dark? — came last weekend’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Those who are proactive were prepared. But for most, the reaction was: Was that an earthquake? What do we do now? First, print out this list of items needed in an emergency; get them; don’t wait or it may be too late.

THE BASIC EMERGENCY KIT

Water — at least two litres per person per day.

Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods. Manual can opener. Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight and wind-up or battery-powered radio (both with extra batteries). First-aid kit. Prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities. Extra keys for your car and house. Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills, and change for pay phones.

A copy of your emergency plan and contact information.

You may want to ensure you have a corded phone in your home, as most cordless phones will not work during a power outage.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Candles and matches or lighter (remember to place candles in sturdy containers and to put them out before going to sleep).

A change of clothing and footwear for each household member.

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member.

A whistle (in case you need to attract attention).

Garbage bags for personal sanitation.

Toilet paper and other personal care supplies. Safety gloves. Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, work gloves).

Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s directions and store properly).

Two litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning (jugs of water can be lined along the bottom of a deep freezer, for future use, and can keep your freezer contents from spoiling for a longer time should there be an extended power outage).

RECOMMENDED SAFETY TIPS

1) Turn off pilot lights during the summer months on gas appliances that have standing pilot lights: gas fireplace inserts, furnaces, etc.

2) Strap hot water tanks to the wall with approved earthquake straps and tie-downs.

3) All televisions, computers, larger pictures, mirrors, and pottery should be tightly strapped to walls and shelves.

4) Apply safety film to the inside of the glass on windows in bedrooms, or any other areas where you may sleep.

5) Ensure foundation anchor bolts that fasten the wood frame to the foundation are tightened. Replace any missing nuts and washers.

6) Secure china and television entertainment centres to walls.

7) Have brick, block and stone chimneys on older homes checked regularly for structural stability.

8) Every six months, check batteries in smoke, fire and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working.

Ensure everyone in your home knows the planned escape route from your home in an emergency.

You should also have an escape route planned for the workplace, school and church.

Also make sure your cellphone is always charged.

Let’s all be prepared, since Mother Nature doesn’t phone ahead to let us know of an upcoming disaster. Stay tuned, I’ll be back with more future advice on AskShell.com.