Are You Ready for the Next Earthquake? - Advice on Earthquake Preparedness from AllSecure Global

March 4, 2010 - PRLog -- After a disaster is usually the time that most persons examine their crisis preparedness plans or begin to think about what they would do in a crisis situation.  This “after the fact” thought process works if the disaster happened to someone else.  However, it does not work so well if the disaster happened to you or to your family.  

In light of the recent events in Chile and Haiti, now is a good time for people to take a look at their family’s “Preparedness Plan” in general.  To help get this important process started, AllSecure Global would like to provide some general guidance on earthquakes that would be applicable to most people.

There is a lot on conflicting advice given on earthquake survival so we thought it would be helpful to provide some basic information.  The following advice is very general advice adapted from various sources, including FEMA.  While it is general in nature, it provides a good starting point for crisis preparedness for earthquakes.  Of course, persons should always take into account their personal situation and current circumstances and modify any advice accordingly.

The following are things a person can do to protect themselves, their family, and their property in the event of an earthquake:

Before an Earthquake

•   Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility connections. Get appropriate professional help. Persons should not work with gas or electrical lines themselves.

•   Bolt down and secure to the wall studs water heaters, refrigerators, furnaces, and gas appliances. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.

•   Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture frames to walls. Brace high and top-heavy objects.

•   Store bottled foods, glass, china, and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that fasten shut.

•   Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.

•   Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation.

•   Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.

•   Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.

•   Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover, and hold on!

During an Earthquake

•   Drop, cover, and hold on!

•   Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or bench or against an inside wall, and hold on. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

•   Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

•   Stay in bed - if you are there when the earthquake strikes - hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

•   Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.

•   Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

•   DO NOT use the elevators.

•   DON'T try to go outside. If you're inside, just stay put in one of the positions above until the shaking stops. Exiting the building will only put you at risk of getting hit by falling roof tiles and debris.

•   If you are in a coastal area, move to higher ground. Tsunamis are often created by earthquakes.

•   If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake. Landslides commonly happen after earthquakes.

After The Earthquake

•   Check yourself for injuries. Often people tend to others without checking their own injuries.

•   Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. This will protect you from further injury by broken objects.

•   After you have taken care of yourself, help injured or trapped persons. If you have it in your area, call 9-1-1, and then give first aid when appropriate. Don't try to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.  Also, be prepared for the fact that help may not come for days (or even longer).

•   Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe. Aftershocks following earthquakes can cause further damage to unstable buildings. If your home has experienced damage, get out before aftershocks happen.

•   Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on! Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks, and even months following an earthquake.

•   Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines, and stay out of damaged areas. Hazards caused by earthquakes are often difficult to see, and you could be easily injured.

•   Stay out of damaged buildings. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe. Damaged buildings may be destroyed by aftershocks following the main quake.

•   Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to inspect your home. Kerosene lanterns, torches, candles, and matches may tip over or ignite flammables inside or leaking gas.

•   Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

•   Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

Please note that all of the above items should be apart of your comprehensive, all-hazards crisis preparedness plan.

About AllSecure Global, LLC

AllSecure Global provides custom emergency preparedness and lifestyle preservation solutions to high net worth families and high profile individuals worldwide to protect them against terrorism, natural and manmade disasters, and social instability.

AllSecure Global’s offerings include customized preparedness services, evacuation services, college/exchange student preparation, expatriate services, safe house programs, executive services, yacht and jet preparation, and many other specialized services.  

AllSecure Global also provides its clients with behavioral training which allows the client to adopt a “survivor’s mentality” should a catastrophic event occur.  As a result of this training, the client knows what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.  Research has shown that this “survivor’s mentality” often is the difference between life and death in a given situation.

All of AllSecure Global’s offerings are “turn key” and all necessary equipment and supplies are provided.  AllSecure Global provides its services worldwide and has seen a large increase in demand in Asia, the Middle East, South America and Russia.  Its services are discrete and confidential and are designed to provide safety and security without drawing unwelcome attention.  

AllSecure Global utilizes proprietary methodologies that take into account where a client lives, what threats they face and the associated probabilities, resources available to the client, unique circumstances and situations, as well as numerous other customized decision factors.  

"Our clients are prepared to survive for months on their own, if necessary, because if the situation is bad enough, they know it can take a long time for help to come, if it comes at all," stated Mr. Edwards.

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AllSecure Global is dedicated to increasing the preparedness of its clients and their families for natural and man-made disasters, terrorist attacks and social disorder through education, preparation and training. More information can be found at www.allsecureglobal.com or by contacting Roy Edwards at 202-713-9350.