Although the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rattled residents of Chula Vista and National City on Easter Sunday did not cause disaster, local safety authorities are encouraging families to be prepared for a major catastrophe.
Yvette Urrea Moe, who is the public information officer for county emergency services, said it’s important for families to have a family disaster plan, a safety kit and to stay informed of disasters throughout the city.
She said that county emergency services have a family disaster plan and personal survival guide template on their Web site, www.readysandiego.org, that families can use for themselves.
The guide includes advice and space to compile lists of emergency contact information.
Some tips include determining possible dangers throughout the home, assigning escape routes, bolting down water heaters or big furniture to the floor and removing heavy items from shelves.
Urrea Moe also advises that cabinets throughout homes have latches and clips because items inside may slide out and cause harm during an earthquake.
She also said not to stand in door frames during an earthquake, contrary to popular belief, because heavy items can still fall on top of a person. She advises instead to go underneath a table or a desk and hold onto it in case it moves during an earthquake.
“As part of disaster plan, families need to create a customized emergency supply kit and have one at home, work and in all family cars,” said Urrea Moe. “We never know where we are going to be during a catastrophe, you may have an amazing supply kit at home but if you are stuck at work you won’t have access to it.”
* Urrea Moe suggested kits include:
Non-perishable food supplies which should be rotated every six months, since certain foods could become stale.
* A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.
* Include a radio and extra batteries.
* A seven-day supply of necessary medication since access to doctors and medications may be limited.
Through Alert San Diego, families can register to receive emergency updates on their cell phones and email addresses.
For more information on disaster preparedness visit www. preparesandiego.org.
