Emergency Preparedness

1. Power - Locate your main electrical shutoff (generally located in your garage or outside)

2. Water - Locate your water shutoff

   1. If you have a well - locate your shutoff at the well and at the house

   2. Consider placing your needed tool near the shutoff location (tip - adjustable tools may rust, so use aluminum or a fixed option)

   3. Water meter shutoff example https://youtu.be/s2wnAl48BiM?si=7WerjK9ldGOlOHFm 

3. Gas - Locate your shutoff location (at the meter or propane tank)

   1. https://youtu.be/W8OKKu0dVUA?si=1s-c1QMyp7meNsRj

*make sure all capable household members know shutoff locations and procedures

The leading cause of injury from an earthquake is due to falling objects. To prevent these types of injuries, heavy objects  should be secured in the home. Examples include:

• Secure large top heavy furniture (book cases, dressors) - anchor these to a wall, preferably to a stud

  • https://youtu.be/FEfqzx3Bw2k?si=5-T0AVS97M-Uy5wb 

• Secure fixtures and electronics (ceiling fans, TVs, frames) - anchor to a stud if possible

  • https://a.co/d/aIPuHs4 

• Move heavy items on shelves to a lower shelf

• Secure your hot water heater - it should be strapped and anchored to a stud. 

  • See the following links for example supplies

    • https://www.homedepot.com/p/PLUMBFLEX-55-Gal-Seismic-Water-Heater-Restraining-Strap-in-Galvanized-Steel-55GWHSE/309167796

    • https://a.co/d/7OSD32z 

  • Guide for securing a water heater:

    • https://youtu.be/L65uvEvOduQ?si=KGg9CE3rzG6ndXhQ 

• Consider cabinet locks to prevent doors from opening and items from falling

• Prepare for emergencies with accessible first aid kits in your home and in your vehicles.

• The American Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits (for a family of four - adjust accordingly) should include:

  • 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

  • 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

  • 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

  • 5 antibiotic ointment packets

  • 5 antiseptic wipe packets

  • 2 packets of aspirin

    • infant tylenol if applicable

  • 1 emergency blanket

  • 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

  • 1 instant cold compress

  • 2 pair of nonlatex gloves

  • 2 hydrocoritsone ointment packets

  • 1 3 inch gauze roll bandage

  • 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

  • 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads

  • 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

  • Thermometer 

  • 2 triangular bandages

  • Tweezers

  • Emergency First Aid instructions

A 72-hour kit is a personal kit of essential supplies to help you and your family survive an emergency situation for at least 3 days. While every family will have different needs, here are some basic suggestions to get you started (https://news-ph.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/are-you-prepared-?imageView=logo_on_vests.jpg).

A 72-hour kit should be:

•  Portable. Your kit won’t be of much value in an evacuation if you can’t carry it. Keep it compact and lightweight.

• Easily accessible. Keep your kit near an exit door, where you can grab it and go. Don’t bury it under clutter.

• Up-to-date. Rotate food and medications at least every six months. Check the clothing annually to make sure it fits. 

Check expiration dates on batteries.

** Look through your 72-hour kits during General Conference to ensure you rotate things every six months

• Complete. Check your kit regularly to make sure you have everything your family needs for three days’ survival.

• Waterproof. Put all items inside ziplock bags or tied plastic garbage bags, so they won’t be ruined by rain or flood water.

• Usable. Make sure you know how to use everything in your kit, and that the supplies are of good quality. Don’t weigh down your kit with junk.

• Divisible. Provide a backpack or portable container for each family member, in case you get separated.

• Personalized. No commercial kit or generic supply list will completely provide for the unique needs of your family. 

You will need to adjust the contents and check them frequently to make sure your current needs such as medications, 

baby supplies, and so forth, are met.

• Versatile. Make sure your kit contains supplies for sheltering at home as well as for evacuation.

As far as what you put in a 72-Hour Kit, it all depends upon each individual family, but may contain some of the following:

• Food and Water: A three-day supply of no-cook foods and water such as crackers, canned tuna, sardines, canned juice, 

candy and infant needs.

**Pick food your family will eat: freeze-dried meals, trailmix, granola bars, applesauce pouches, raisin boxes, jerky, etc. 

• Bedding and Clothing: Change of clothing (shirts, pants), undergarments, raincoats, blankets and sheets.

• Fuel and Light: Flashlights, lamps (don't forget batteries) candles/flares, lighter, water-proof matches.

• Equipment: Can opener, dishes and utensils, radio (with batteries), pen and paper, pocket knife, rope, floaters (in case of flood).

• Personal supplies and medication: First aid kit and supplies, prescription medication for three days, toiletries, sanitary napkins, 

toothbrush, cleaning supplies, diapers, and wipes.

• Personal documents and money: Copies of genealogy records, legal documents, vaccination papers, insurance policies, cash, credit card 

and prepaid phone cards. (Place items in a water-proof container.)

• Special supplies could include a child's favorite toy or treat to provide comfort and entertainment during a stressful time for children.

When disasters strike - it's imperative to have your important documents organized and protected. This week we'll help identify what documents are important and how you can protect them.

Important Documents:

• Personal Identification (for all members of your family)

  • Social Security cards

  • Birth certificates

  • Passports

• Health Related Documents

  • Insurance cards

  • Vaccination records

• Home related documents

  • Mortgage related documents

  • Home and auto insurance documents

• Other Documents:

  • Legal will

  • Bank account information

  • Other insurance (life, disability, umbrella policy)

  • Titles & deeds

  • Passwords

• Genealogic records

• Business documents (EIN, business articles of organization/certificates, loans)

How to protect:

• Water tight and fire resistant safes work great for protecting important personal documents

• As genealogy documents can take up lots of space - storing them in sturdy containers off the floor where flooding may occur is recommended

  • Uploading genealogy documents to Family Search is the safest option!

• Use an electronic cloud to store photos, other documents and passwords (Google Chrome and Apple Passwords are master password secured)

Organization

• Having your documents organized so they can be quickly located is almost as important as protecting them - below find a link for a great organizational guide for your important documents

  • https://getorganizedhq.com/building-your-important-documents-binder/

When an earthquake begins - you need to find a safe space quickly. Take time to identify and practice finding safe spaces in your home with your family. Safe spaces can include:

• Interior walls away from possible hazards (falling objects, glass)

• Underneath sturdy furniture 

• If in bed - place pillow over head

The following course of action should be followed:

• Drop where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and reduces your chances of being hit by falling or flying objects.

• Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand.

• If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter.

• If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall.

• Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs.

• Hold On until the shaking stops.

• Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts

• No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

For accesibility variations of Drop, Cover and Hold On, see the following link:

https://www.earthquakecountry.org/library/ShakeOut_Earthquake_Safety_Accessibility_Tips-EN.pdf