Earthquake Preparedness in Berkeley, CA

Be prepared for an earthquake in Berkeley. Learn CPR and First-aid

In the event of a Berkeley earthquake, are you adequately prepared to face such a tragedy?  In order for you to avoid being like thousands of others, and not wait until the last minute, it is important that you stock up now with the proper necessities.  As can be seen with other such tragedies in the past, it is never wise to begin preparing at the last minute. The closer an earthquake looms, the faster your local grocery stores will run out, fuel supplies will run increasingly low, and the government cannot be considered your last lifeline in the event that you are caught blindly.  No, today is the time for you to begin your preparations so that you can ride out any earthquake as comfortably as possible.  Many emergency preparedness experts recommend that you have at least some sort of 3-day survival kit to ride out disastrous events.  However, there are many occasions in which an earthquake can last more than three days – they can last as long as a month or more.  For example, a life-threatening Ebola or flu outbreak could last weeks or even months to ride out.  For this reason, you should prepare for a minimum of 30 days, while striving to prepare for 90 days of necessary sustenance.  With this in mind, how much is necessary to qualify as sufficient, and what exactly are the supplies you need?

1)Make sure that you stock up on the necessary food products.  Canned food products are especially recommended, because they can last for up to a full year – sometimes more. You can easily add to your canned food surplus by picking up a few more cans each week at the grocery store; and, you can maximize your savings by utilizing sales, coupons, and generic brands. The canned goods you choose should be those that do not require a lot of preparation and preferably do not need to be cooked at all. You should also consider a sizable supply of dehydrated meals, which can last up to 30 years.  Meals Ready to Eat(MREs) are also highly recommended.  Make sure you purchase your foods from a wholesale supplier, such as Sam’s or Costco, and check the dates and the foods you purchase to make sure that the freshest products are always on hand. Do not forget about your pets – they need food for survival in a earthquake too.

2)Make sure you have a lot of water.  Water can be stored away in larger containers, preferably in 5 gallon containers.  These can be water bags, jugs, bottles, etc.  Also, make sure to pick up a good water filtration system, so you can purify water as well.

3)Keep necessary, basic hardware tools on hand.  These will help you repair and/or clean up any damages done to your property and vehicles.  These tools should be able to repair your car, build shelters, shut off gas lines, dig up fallen trees, etc.

4)Invest in an alternative energy source.  Earthquakes almost always result in interruptions in the energy sources we take for granted everyday.  The purchase of a generator can be especially helpful in this regard, as it will keep your Berkeley house heated or cooled, and it will supply electricity for lights and other needs.  Because generators are fueled by gasoline, you should stock up on a sufficient amount of gasoline.  You should also have enough propane tanks on hand to keep stoves, grills, lanterns, and heaters working if needed.  Flashlights are especially handy, and you should purchase only newer models which use LED light bulbs – they are brighter and last many times longer than conventional flashlights.  If batteries are a problem, which you should also stockpile, look for hand-cranked flashlights which do not require battery power.

5)Always have an adequate first aid kit on hand.  In the kit, you should have plenty of pain relievers, antacids, antihistamines, etc.  Antiseptic ointments and other supplies should also be included, such as gauze, adhesive bandages, medical tape, etc.  If you wear glasses or contact lenses, also include spares and reserve enough contact lens solution.

6)Toiletries should also be saved and reserved for a earthquake.  While some things are more necessary than others, you should still stock up on whatever allows you to live comfortably. Toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, etc. are all good examples.  Scissors and razor blades should also be included if you would like to shave and/or groom your hair.

7)Invest in two-way communications devices such as walkie-talkies.  Newer two-way radio systems have up to a 15 mile range, and they can work as great substitutes in case your cell phones stop working.  Every member of your household should have one tuned to the same broadcasting channel.  Spare batteries for you cell phones should be on hand, just in case they indeed continue to operate.  Hand-cranked radios and shortwave radios are also recommended so you can stay informed and in touch with the outside world.

These are just some useful things to consider when trying to adequately prepare for the next earthquake BEFORE it occurs.  Other issues to consider are:

• ·Outdoor supplies – tents, portable cookers/grills, cots, sleeping bags
• ·Bicycles – with no gas, your car will not work. Bikes are an excellent way to get around Berkeley
• ·Relocation – if you have a vacation home, consider relocating there before it is too late

If you do need to relocate, you need to determine how easily and quickly you can get out of your current location.  Storing sufficient amounts of fuel can insure you can get out far enough.  It is recommended you keep three or four five gallon cans to virtually guarantee a full tank of gas, in the event you need to travel several hundred miles away.  15 gallons is usually enough gasoline to fill the average gas tank completely.

Whether you stay or choose to relocate, always be sure that your survival supplies can be easily transported in your vehicle.  It would also be wise to keep a condensed version of your survival kit in your car/truck as well.

In beginning your earthquake preparation today, you will be able to avoid long lines at the grocery and hardware stores and possess the proper frame of mind to care for your family in such an event.  Waiting for the government and/or charity organizations to come to your aid is not a wise dependency, because there is no guarantee that they will get to you in any definite period of time.  By being adequately prepared, and by following the guidelines here, you will have the peace of mind to survive and care for your family – to the best of your abilities.

Berkeley CPR Classes teaches emergency preparedness classes in Alameda County such as Infant CPR, Child CPR, Adult CPR, First-aid, ACLS, BLS, and PALS by the American Heart Association.

CPR and First-aid Classes in Berkeley, CA