Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Be prepared for when the Big One hits


 
March 29, 2011

Dear Friends,

The massive earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan are reminders for Californians to prepare for the next earthquake here. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there is a 63% chance that the San Francisco region will be hit with a 6.7 or higher earthquake in the next 30 years.

When emergencies happen - whether they are extreme storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, or floods - being prepared is the key to mitigating injuries and damage that are likely to follow. If you don’t already have an emergency preparedness plan, you need to make one.

Here are several steps to help prepare:

  • Be Informed – By understanding the potential emergencies and risks that could happen, you can prepare appropriately and take action to reduce a future loss.
  • Get a Kit – It is best to think about the necessities for survival: food, water and cash. For a basic survival kit, be sure to have non-perishable food, clean water, flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, a first aid kit, available cash, matches, and a wrench to turn off utilities. A complete list is available at the site of the American Red Cross under its “Preparing and Getting Trained” tab.
  • Make a Plan – Emergencies strike at any time, so it is critical to devise a plan that ensures your family can contact one another, how you will meet, and what should be done in different situations. Distribute an emergency information card among family members with basic information that outlines where you will meet and people to contact if disaster strikes.
Retrofitting your home can dramatically reduce damages from an earthquake, saving both lives and money. Even a moderate quake can topple chimneys and push homes off of foundations. To determine if a contractor is licensed and bonded you can go to the Contractors State License Board and use the link “check the status.

Purchasing earthquake insurance can give you financial assistance to pay for damages. An interactive survey of homeowner insurance and earthquake insurance premiums is available at: www.insurance.ca.gov. A list of all homeowners and earthquake insurers is also available on the same website. Most homeowner insurers also participate in the federal flood insurance program. If appropriate for your personal circumstances, you can reduce your flood and earthquake insurance costs by buying structure coverage and skipping the coverage for contents.

Protect yourself by being prepared for emergencies. The San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide valuable information. I encourage you to visit these sites. The websites of many local fire departments offer more information about emergency preparedness plans. Contact my office if I can provide further assistance. Being prepared is the key to surviving, and recovering from, a disaster or emergency.

Click here to download more extensive preparedness information.

All the best,

jackie

4 comments:

Kathy Meeh said...

Somewhere in this maze of generic government information from Rep. Jackie Speier is the connection to San Mateo County office of emergency services, which includes basic, useful information, such as: Turn off gas and water.

Earthquake: step #2 "turn off gas and electric" following step #1 "drop, duck and cover". Anyone who forgets step #1 can easily remember by recalling what city council does on a regular and ongoing basis.

About the preliminary "emergency kit", I guess its not helpful to worry that it might not be possible to get at the kit in event of an emergency; or, once getting at the kit, everything that can expire has expired. As they say in "girl scouts", "be prepared", I'm counting on you.

Anonymous said...

"BIG ONE" predicted tomorrow, 31st. Off topic, has anyone been hearing rumbling noises all morning? Sounds like airplanes but I don't see any.

Kathy Meeh said...

Who predicted "the big one" tomorrow, (earthquake, I assume).. anyone or organization related to science, or is this "tea leaves"?

Here's the USGS website. Maybe subscribe and keep us informed. Thanks.

Kathy Meeh said...

Know what, in searching for news this morning I came across 3 recent small earthquakes in Northern CA, above Santa Rosa. USGS records 1 at 2.9 within 24 hours. The account I saw was 2 at 2.9 and 1 at 3.0.

Hope that's "the big one"... otherwise, some of us aren't ready...(or willing).