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Moments: Earthquake Preparedness

Disaster readiness consultant Carol Camelot explains the essentials of earthquake preparedness. For more information about her Disaster Survival Workshop, call (760) 534-6278.

She has also created a printable reference to local resources available here as a download (pdf).

Take Care of Yourself First

It can be difficult to resist the urge to run to help children or spouses in the case of an earthquake, but you can't be very useful to others unless you are safe. First check yourself for injuries, then check around to watch out for glass or any other dangerous debris. Once you understand your surroundings, you can move loved ones and your emergency cache out to safety. Finally, move your car out to the street and turn off the gas lines running to the house.

Surviving an Earthquake in the Desert Heat

The blistering desert heat requires extra planning to avoid dehydration or heat stroke. The following tips could prove useful in the case of a desert earthquake:

• A drawn tarp or a tent can easily protect from the sun.


• Driving around in an air-conditioned car can provide a break from the tarp or tent.


• Keep emergency food in the car, and keep it refrigerated when not in the car if necessary.
• Clear water bottles are durable, but the white or grey bottles could deteriorate.
• Check earthquake kits at least once per month during the summer.

Automobile Emergency Supplies

In the event of a major earthquake, automobiles could provide people with the safety, mobility, and supplies needed to survive. It is a good idea to keep the car stocked with the supplies that would prove most useful in a time of emergency:

• Food and water for several days for the number of people usually in the car


• First-aid kit and first-aid manual


• Transmission fluid, motor oil, and an empty gas can
• Emergency backpacks for each person usually in the car
• Umbrellas, sneakers, and other practical attire
• Cash, as many places may not take card or check
• Gasoline, at half-tank or better

The Importance of Water

A major earthquake could cut off access to water, the most vital human resource. It's important to be prepared for disaster with an emergency supply of clean water. Although a pool can be used for sanitation and cleanup, its water is unfit for drinking. Disaster readiness consultant Carol Camelot recommends storing 1-2 gallons of water per person per day for 2 weeks. This considerable store of water can be kept in closets and sheds, placed under beds, or even buried underground.

Trash Can Cache

Living near the San Andreas Fault makes the earthquake kit a necessity. Disaster readiness consultant Carol Camelot teaches Marie Lyons-Weigel how to create a "Trash Can Cache" with these essential emergency supplies and tips:

• Two weeks' worth of water and non-perishable food for all family and pets.


• First aid, lighting, and extra clothing.


• Waterproof matches, fire extinguisher - It is important to practice with the fire extinguisher and make sure that it is charged.
• Sanitation: wipes, towels, portable receptacle to use as a toilet.
• Make sure that the trash can holding these items has wheels so that it may be easily moved.