Big Bear City, CA, August 27, 2014 – On August 24, the northern San Francisco Bay area suffered a magnitude 6 earthquake that caused significant damage in south Napa County. KBHR is using this as an opportunity to review basic earthquake preparedness guidelines.
Take time now to mitigate any hazards in your home. Fasten shelves securely to walls, placing large or heavy objects on lower shelves; brace overhead light fixtures, and hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from anywhere people sit or lie down.
Also, identify safe spots in every room, such as under sturdy desks and tables, against an inside wall, and away from glass that could shatter or heavy furniture that could fall over. Standing inside a doorway is no longer recommended. Experts also caution against running indoors or outdoors while the shaking is going on.
Plan for the aftermath. Certain disaster supplies should be kept next to each bed, including sturdy shoes, a flashlight with extra batteries, a whistle and a first aid kit. The head of household should also keep copies of essential documents in a secure, waterproof container with the disaster supplies kit. And finally, in case family members are separated during an earthquake, agree on a meeting place, and designate one out-of-area person who can be called by everyone in the household to relay information.
