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Japan earthquake a reminder to review earthquake safety measures

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

California is a beautiful state, but like Japan, California is prone to major earthquakes. The recent disaster in Japan is a wake-up call that reminds residents in case of a major destruction, it will take time for help to come. Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake. The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up, so individuals and families should be prepared to rely on themselves for at least one week.

Homeowners can protect their families and reduce the risk of destruction by following the guidelines recommended made by the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® from information provided by the California Department of Conservation and the U.S. Geological Survey:

Identify Potential Hazards in Your Home and Fix Them
1. Move heavy furniture away from where people sit or sleep. Remove clutter from exit paths. Secure hanging objects, cabinet doors and appliances with safety straps, fasteners and adhesives.

2. Replace rigid gas connections to water heaters and other gas appliances with flexible (corrugated) stainless steel gas connectors. Excess-flow gas-shutoff valves for individual appliances will stop gas flow in case of a catastrophic leak.

3. Move flammable or hazardous materials stored in garages and utility rooms to low areas that are secure.

How to be Prepared Before an Earthquake
1. Create a household disaster kit and place items in a large watertight container that can be easily moved, in an easily accessible location, within easy reach. The disaster kit should hold at least a one-week supply of the following items:
• Drinking water (minimum one gallon per person per day)
• First aid supplies, medications, spare glasses and essential hygiene items, such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper
• Emergency lighting—light sticks and/or a working flashlight with extra batteries
• A hand-cranked or battery-operated radio with spare batteries
• Canned and packaged foods, snack foods high in calories and cooking utensils, including a manual can opener
• Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, extra socks, blankets and perhaps even a tent
• Heavy-duty plastic bags for waste and other uses, such as tarps and rain ponchos
• Work gloves and protective goggles
• Comfort items, such as games, crayons, writing materials and teddy bears for children
• Pet food and pet restraints
• Copies of vital documents, such as insurance policies, medical consent forms for dependents, personal identification and a list of emergency contact numbers
• Cash in small bills (ATMs may not work)
• A pipe wrench to turn off gas or water
NOTE: Replace perishable items like water, food, medications, and batteries on a yearly basis.

2. Decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake.

3. Discuss earthquake insurance with your agent. Depending on your financial situation and the value of your home, it may be worthwhile.

What to Do During an Earthquake
1. If you're indoors, get under a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay away from exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you're in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator.  If you're outside, stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
 
2. If you're driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses, or close to trees, light posts, signs and power lines.
 
3. If you're in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. If you're near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes, so get to high ground.
 
To learn more about earthquake safety, visit http://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/qh_earthquakes_what.htm, http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/emergency_planning.shtm, or http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/.


The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.

For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.

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