Pasadena shares earthquake tips

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE NEXT “BIG ONE”?

The earthquakes in Japan are an important reminder that the next major earthquake in Southern California could happen at any time.

The Pasadena Fire Department urges all local residents, businesses, schools, government agencies, institutions and community-based organizations to be as prepared as possible by following these tips:

* Pick safe places in each room of your home, such as under sturdy tables or desks or against interior walls – away from windows, bookcases and tall furniture that could fall on you.

* Practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in each safe place. Drop under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to one leg of the table or desk. Protect your eyes by keeping your head down. If you are physically unable to bend down, practice leaning or sitting against a wall away from windows.

* Build a preparedness kit that will fit in a standard backpack. What you have on hand when an earthquake strikes can make a big difference. Plan to store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least three days, including bottled or boxed water, non-perishable food, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, battery-operated radio with extra batteries, tools, plastic bags, personal hygiene items, insurance policies and personal ID, comfort items for children such as plush animals or family photographs, extra prescription medication, small denominations of cash since ATMS and gas pumps won’t work if the power is out, and contact information for family members out of the area.

* Make a plan. Planning ahead is the first step to a calmer and more assured disaster response. Develop your earthquake preparedness plan and evacuation plan with your family. Inform guests, babysitters and caregivers of the plan.

* Get training. Call (626) 744-7276 to arrange for your neighborhood, business or institution to receive free Pasadena Emergency Response Team (PERT) training offered by the Pasadena Fire Department. You’ll learn disaster preparedness, first aid, fire suppression and light search and rescue, all of which will be vitally important during and after a major earthquake or other disaster.

* Talk to your insurance agent. Different areas have different requirements for earthquake protection.

* Additional tips, including for during an earthquake and after an earthquake, are available at www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster or by calling (626) 744-7276.

* Please note that the local American Red Cross will collect monetary donations Monday, March 14, from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Lot B at the Rose Bowl Stadium to assist with relief efforts for the Japan earthquakes and Pacific tsunami. More about response to these incidents can be found at www.redcross.org.




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