Earthquake Preparedness

Experts continue to predict that the New Madrid Fault Line, which includes portions of Kentucky, will eventually produce an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude or greater.  A quake of this degree would generate 21 times the energy of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and would likely cause significant structural and infrastructure damage.  It would also potentially displace tens of thousands of people, particularly in the western portion of our state.

Are We Ready?

Creating a family disaster preparedness plan and an emergency survival kit can greatly enhance your survival capabilities following a natural disaster.

During an earthquake, the best way to protect yourself from injury is to:

Drop. Drop to your hands and knees to lessen the chance of being injured in a fall.

Cover. Cover your head, neck area, and as much of your body as possible with your arms or by crawling under a table/desk. This will provide protection from falling items.

Hold. Hold on to your item of shelter or to your head and neck until tremors/shaking stops.

An emergency supply kit should be prepared to sustain life for a minimum of 96 hours, and should include:

EMERGENCY NEEDS:
Instruction Manual on Emergency Preparedness
Battery Powered Radio
First Aid Kit and Manual
Sleeping Bags and Blankets (Wool and Thermal)
Can Opener
Waterproof/Windproof Matches
Non-Perishable Foods: Ready-to-eat goods in unbreakable containers, canned meats, juice, fruits, vegetables, powdered mild, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze-dried and/or dehydrated goods (MRE’s)
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Water Storage (1 gallon daily, per person)
Water Purification/Filtration
Utility Knife/Multi-tool
Emergency Candles
Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses
Essential Medications
Extra Clothing

SANITATION KIT (5 person example):
(1) 5/6-Gallon Bucket
(1) Port-a-Potty Lid
(12) Port-a-Potty Bags
(5) Port-a-Potty Chemicals
(5) Latex-Free Gloves
(5) 3M N-95 Particle Respirators
(2) Toilet Paper Rolls
(5) Toothbrushes
(5) Tissue Packs
(5) Combs
(5) Razors
(5) Bars of Soap
(5) Hand Sanitizers

OTHER ITEMS:
Wet Wipes/Moist Towelettes
Baby Supplies
Paper Towels
Paper Plates/Cups
Plastic Utensils
Aluminum Foil

STRESS REDUCERS:
For Children: Puzzles, Coloring Books, Crayons, Books, Games
For Adults: Books, Magazines, Games

OTHER EMERGENCY NEEDS:
Paper and Pen
Copies of Insurance Policies and Personal Papers
Money (Cash)
Important Addresses/Phone Numbers
Work Gloves
Tool kit w/Most Commonly Used Tools

ITEMS TO HAVE ON HAND IMMEDIATELY:
Flashlight w/spare batteries (keep a flashlight beside every bed in the house)
Portable Radio w/spare batteries (telephones may be out of order, so radio may be your best source of accurate information via the Emergency Alert System (EAS) (KSL 1160 AM))
First Aid Kit (everyone should know basic first aid, i.e. CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, & First Aid for severe bleeding and shock)
Smoke Detectors & Class ABC Fire Extinguishers are recommended for every home
Pipe Wrench & Adjustable Wrench for turning off gas or water mains
Work Gloves and Boots to assist with rescue work (or CERT Kit, if CERT Trained)

STANDARD FIRST AID KIT:
First Aid Manual
Pain Relievers (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc.)
Rubbing Alcohol
Cotton Balls
Cotton Swabs
Anti-Bacterial Ointment
Gauze
Band-Aids
Triangular Bandage (36”x 36”x 52”)
Elastic Bandage
Safety Pins
Scissors
Laxatives
Anti-Diarrhea Medication
Thermometer
Salt Tablets
Sanitary Napkins (Pressure Dressing)
Medical Adhesive Tape
Matches
Needles
Tweezers
Small Splints
Heavy String
Items for any specific individual needs