Having lived most of my adult life on the West Coast of the US, the probability of a major earthquake has not been an if but a when proposition. The same can be said for residents of the East Coast; simply change the word “earthquake” to “hurricane”. For middle America, there are tornados. The point is that regardless of where you live, there is a risk of a natural disaster happening in your own backyard. It is simply a matter of when.
Are you ready? The most likely answer to that question is sure, kinda sorta. Most of us are well prepared for some aspects of a natural disaster but not so much the others. For example, I would expect that your water heater is strapped to the wall, shut-off valves for utilities are accessible well marked, and you have stashed away a reasonable supply of food, water, cash, and other essential items that may be needed following a major disruptive event of the Mother Nature type.
While It is common sense to shut off utilities and call your loved ones following a disaster, but what if there is devastation, destruction, and shock, panic or both? What then? I suggest you create a post-disaster to-do list and tape it inside a closet next to your bug-out-bag or emergency first aid kit.
To help you get started, I am sharing my own “no-brainer, I am too panicked to think”, to do list. You will see that this list is within the context of an earthquake because I am most familiar with that type of disaster. Use it as a starting point for creating a checklist more specific to the probable and likely disasters in your geographical area.
Current Prices on popular forms of Gold Bullion
What to Do After an Earthquake (or Other Natural Disaster)
Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
Listen to a battery-operated radio. Listen for the latest emergency information.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls. This also applies to cell phones.
Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.
Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.
Inspect utilities.
Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at 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 hot 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.
Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.
Execute a predetermined plan to meet-up with children, spouses and other family members. Have meet-up plan in the event you are separated from family members when disaster hits.
