Käytännön ohjeita maanjäristyksen varalle:

Huomaa matkaohjelman suomenkielinen jatkolinkki tämän sivun alareunassa!

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Lainaus - Quote:
(Lähde/Source: http://www.kpix.com/quake/earthquake.html)

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Life On The Fault Line

Take Precautions

• Strap water heater and other gas appliances to a nearby wall with 1 1/2" 16-gauge pre-drilled gas strap. Be sure to use flexible connections for all gas lines. A licensed plumber can assist you.
• Bolt large pieces of furniture to the floor or wall. Try not to locate beds near windows, mirrors, or pictures with glass. Move large, heavy objects from upper shelves.
• Install latches on cabinet doors to prevent loss of treasured items during a quake.
• Store hazardous materials in unbreakable containers that will not easily spill their contents.
• Teach each capable family member how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the lines are ruptured. If a wrench is required to shut off utility valve, hang it near the valve for instant accessibility. (Caution: never try to relight the gas pilot light yourself; call your utilitiy company).
• Consult a structural engineer or contractor for advice and cost estimates on bolting the foundations or walls.
• Store emergency suppplies in your back yard. A large covered trash container will work to hold supplies:
  • canned or dehydrated food for family and pets
  • one gallon of water per person per day
  • first aid kit and handbook
  • portable radio with extra batteries
  • flashlights with extra batteries
  • an A-B-C rated fire extinguisher
  • extra blankets, coats, sturdy shoes
  • one week's supply of medications, foods for infants and those on special diets

Emergency Water Supply And Storage

Water to be stored should be drawn into containers before it is needed. Don't wait until an emergency happens before laying in your supply. When an emergency occurs, it may be to late to act. The public water service may already be interrupted or contaminated. Also, if thousands of households are trying to fill water containers at the same time, they would reduce the pressure in the street mains. This would make fire fighting more difficult. Waiting until something happens before you draw and store the water you need could cost you your home or even your life. Be careful about rain water; it should be treated the same as any other unknown water source. Rain contains small particulates and acid.

Some other sources of water (at home) include:

• Water from the water heater, if it remains upright
• Water drawn immediately from the bathtub(before pollution sets in)
• Water dipped from flush toilet tank(purify before using)
• Melted ice cubes
• Canned juices and soft drinks
• Commercially bottled drinking water
• Water purified and bottled at home*

Check the emergency water supply every six months. Discard any water that is cloudy, has an "off" odor, or has little fuzzy green plants growing in the bottom of the bottle. Replace with a fresh supply. *To purify water for immediate use, or for long term storage:

Bottled water may be stored up to 6 months with no detrimental effect or rotation required. You can store water in old bleach bottles, rotating every 7 to 9 months. Rinse the plastic bleach bottles before filling with water. You should not get ill from drinking this water as the residue left in the bottle is probably just the right amount of chlorine to protect the water. Purchase five gallon water containers from a camping store or Army Surplus store. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to transport this, possibly on foot, so consider the weight involved if you choose this method. Water weighs approximately 14-15 pounds per gallon.

Most water can be purified for drinking purposes by boiling it for 10 minutes. This will destroy the bacteria. In order to improve the taste it will be necessary to aerate it after boiling. This is accomplished by pouring it from one container to another several times. This should be done after water has been allowed to cool. Remember, you can use any commercially available bleach solution.

After adding the proper dosage (see chart above) and stirring, allow the water to stand for 30 minutes. It should have a distinct odor of chlorine. If this odor is not present, add another dose of the solution and let stand for another 15 minutes. The taste or smell or chlorine in water as treated in this manner is a sign of safety and is not harmful. If you cannot detect chlorine in water you are purifying by this method, do not drink it.

Purification tablets that release iodine may be used safely to purify drinking water. These tablets can be found at most drug stores and sports goods stores. Commercially its known as halazone tablets. Make sure you follow the directions on the package. Each member of your family should have 4.5 gallons of water available to them.

Fuel Consumption and Burning Time

The following is a list of different sources of fuel you can use to cook your food in an emergency:

• Canned Heat (Sterno)
• Buddy Burner
• Vagabond Stove
• Gas Latern (Coleman, two mantle)
• Kerosene Latern (with one 1" wick)
• Flashlight (two battery)
• Candles: 3/4 X 4" tall - burns 2 hours and 20 minutes
• 7/8 X 4" tall - burns 5 hours
• 2" square X 9" tall - burns 7 hours per inch
• Two Plate Gas Burner

Personal Safety Plan

• Practice family earthquake safety drills once a month. Teach the "duck, cover, and hold" exercise. When shaking begins, duck under a sturdy table or desk, cover your head and face, and hold on the table or desk leg. Stay under shelter until the shaking stops. Teach all the possible ways to exit your house.
• Instruct children not to run outside or use stairways or elevators during the shaking. If they are outdoors, teach them to move quickly to an open area away from trees, walls and power lines.
• If you are in the car when shaking begins, pull over to the shoulder of the road and stay in the car! Make sure you are clear of overpasses and overhead power lines.
• If you are riding public transit, remain calm. Follow instructions from transit staff who have been trained in earthquake safety and procedures.

Psychological Readiness

Anyone who experiences a major earthquake will suffer some degree of emotional trauma. The psychological symptoms experienced by typically normal people who are temporarily affected by the earthquake can include:

• Psychosomatic Illness: vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and exhaustion
• Thinking: mental confusion, memory difficulties
• Feeling: depression, irritability and anxiety
• Personal Behavior: withdrawal, crying, inefficient activity
• Social Behavior: interaction difficulties, a resistance to returning to the normal routine.

Be prepared psychologically!

• Keep in good physical condition through proper nutrition, exercise and sleep
• Accept the fact that "It can happen to me"
• Know how to appropriately respond during shaking and provide assistance afterwards
• Have an up-to-date family plan
• Create a support system with family, friends and co-workers
• Learn to acknowledge and understand your emotional reactions

After the Earthquake...

• Express your feelings
• Acknowledge the stress and fear you are experiencing
• Be a friend to others
• Participate in recovery (keep busy)
• Set an example for others
• Keep your sense of humor

Fire Prevention, Detection And Escape

Most accidental fires can be avoided with a little care. Smoke detectors can alert your family while the fire is still small, which may mean the difference between life and death. Do you have smoke detectors and are they properly maintained? The best fire detection equipment does no more than warn you that a fire is in process. From then on, what happens is up to you. Every room should have two ways out. Include fire escape procedures in your family earthquake drills, giving special consideration for the very young, disabled and elderly.

The Family Plan

• Make a plan as to where and how to reunite family members
• Designate a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service.
• Instruct children as to the safest spots in each room
• Teach children the danger zones: near windows, mirrors, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture.
• Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from the local Red Cross or other community organizations.
• Post a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Have a plan for elderly or disabled family members.

If A Quake Should Occur...

• Check for injuries among family and neighbors and administer first aid. Seriously injured victims should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger.
• Carefully inspect for gas, sewage, and water leaks, and torn electrical wiring. If you find damage, turn the utility off at its main source.
• Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
• Do an inspection of your home or apartment building for cracks or foundation damage. Jagged earthquake cracks are easily distinguished from normal settling cracks. Do not enter a building that shows signs of earthquake damage.
• Listen to your portable radio for news reports and emergency instructions.
• Know your neighbors and their skills. It may be days before outside emergency assistance arrives, so it is important to help each other.
• If you evacuate your home, leave a message inside or on the front door telling family members where they can locate you.

For further information, contact your local Red Cross or the California Office of Emergency Services

Last Modified Saturday, 1-Feb-97 at 06:26:19 PM. Page maintained by the Eyewitness News Team.