The Community Word

I have yet to be considered an “alarmist” and have no thought of being one now. Yet, I do “prepare to be prepared.” Last week we, in central Illinois, were served an appetizer of what the New Madrid fault has to serve up. Once more we are reminded that we are incapable of controlling all that nature has to give us.

University of Illinois Extension, in its focus on disaster preparedness, has some thoughts regarding each of us being prepared to respond in the event of another earthquake.

“As we’ve been recently reminded, earthquakes capable of causing damage, injuries and even death can and do occur in Illinois. As in any natural disaster there are things you can do to increase your family’s likelihood of surviving unscathed.

Earthquake related injuries are usually caused by building collapse, falling debris, flying glass, fires, downed power lines and, occasionally, panic reactions.

You can keep safe by assessing possible hazards in your home. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it is important to fasten shelves securely to walls and place large or heavy items on lower shelves. Breakable items such as bottled foods, glass and china should be stored in closed cabinets, preferably with latches. Heavy items such as pictures and mirrors should not be hung directly over beds or couches. It’s a good idea to strap water heaters to wall studs or to bolt them to the floor. They are notorious for tipping over and severing gas lines. Repair any loose plaster and securely store hazardous household, lawn care and agricultural chemicals.

If an earthquake occurs and you are indoors, drop to the ground and take cover under a heavy piece of furniture. If none is available cover your face and hands with your arms and crouch in an inside corner. Stay away from glass, windows, outside walls and anything that could fall like lighting fixtures, home entertainment systems and shelves. If you’re in bed when an earthquake strikes, stay put and cover your head with your pillow unless there’s a danger of a lighting fixture or ceiling fan falling on you. Use a doorway for shelter only if it is close and you are confident that it is well-built and load bearing. Stay inside until the shaking stops. Most injuries occur when people inside buildings move about or try to run outside before the situation stabilizes.

If you are outdoors when you begin to feel a tremor, stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires. Stay in the open until the shaking stops. Most earthquake injuries occur from being struck by debris, if you are in an open space, you are relatively safe.

It is often difficult to feel an earthquake in a moving vehicle, but if you do, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid parking near buildings, utility poles, overpasses and trees. Proceed cautiously after the earthquake has stopped and avoid roads, bridges, ramps and other infrastructure which might have been damaged.

Expect aftershocks. These are normal and can be strong enough to do additional damage. Aftershocks can continue for days, weeks or months. Listen to a battery powered radio, television or all-hazards (weather) radio for additional information. Once it is safe to do so, open cabinets carefully. Stay away from damaged structures. Help any injured parties immediately. Emergency aid may be hard to come by, so keep first aid kits handy and participate in training in how to use them.

It is also important to check for gas leaks, electrical problems, sewer and water line damage and other obvious structural problems. Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. You may need to hire a professional for this task to insure you won’t have issues with carbon monoxide poisoning later.

If you are travelling in a coastal area, be alert for tsunami warnings and follow local evacuation instructions.

You may have noticed that many of these suggestions also apply to other natural disasters, so review your family’s communication plans and check your disaster supply kits. Earthquakes are less predictable than many other disasters, but are common enough that it’s important to understand proper precautions so you can react instinctively.”

If you have other questions, call the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 309-685-3140 or visit: www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.