Earthquake Planning

The purpose is to prepare for an Earthquake Disaster:

1. Acquaint you with Earthquake Risk faced by the citizens of the Commonwealth.
2. Provide you with information about past earthquakes, with information about how you can prepare for an earthquake, as well as other types of disasters, and provide you with some resources if you want to learn more about earthquakes in and around Kentucky.

An earthquake may strike anywhere at any time.  It is important to prepare NOW to avoid injury or property loss when the big quake strikes.  The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management has developed some preparedness tips to assist you.

 

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:

 

• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit:  store food, water and emergency supplies for at least five days.  Be sure to include a flashlight, extra batteries, portable radio, tools, blankets, sturdy shoes and sanitary items.

 

• Check your home for potential hazards.  Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves.  Is your water heater securely fastened to wall studs with straps or plumbers tape?  Make sure all appliances are connected to their fuel source with flexible lines.

 

• Check your chimney and roof for loose tiles and bricks.  Replace or repair.

 

• Secure tall/heavy furniture, such as china cabinets and bookcases, to wall studs.  Secure hanging objects by closing the opening in the hook.  Anchor pictures and mirrors to wall studs.  Attach a wooden or metal guardrail on open shelves to keep items from slipping or falling off.  Velcro fastenings may be used to secure items to their displays or work surfaces.  Velcro may also be used to fasten small appliances to their surfaces.  Consider removing heavy-framed pictures and mirrors from above beds, couches and chairs.  Determine whether the full swing of your hanging plants and lamps will strike a window, and if they will, consider moving them.

 

• Identify poisons, toxic chemicals or solvents in breakable containers which are located in high or dangerous locations.  Move these containers to a well-ventilated storage area.

 

• Do not store certain chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine together.  These chemicals, when mixed, create deadly hazards.  Check labels on containers for other hazardous combinations.

 

• Establish an Out of State Phone Contact.  Disasters, such as earthquakes, have a good chance of occurring when your family is not together.  Children may be at school, you at work or caught in commuter traffic.  Take a few minutes with your family and develop a reunion plan.  Choose a relative who lives at least 100 miles away, or better yet, in another state.    Make sure every family member carries this number with them!    This plan will help you and your family to get back together, or if that is not possible, to let each other know where you are and that you are all right.

 

DURING THE EARTHQUAKE:

 

• Stay calm, don’t panic and remember to Duck, Cover and Hold.

 

• If you are inside, stay inside and take cover under a sturdy desk, table or along an inside wall.  Stay away from glass and heavy objects.  NOTE:  It is no longer considered safe to stand in a doorway as you can be injured by having fingers crushed in the door if you are not positioned properly.

 

• If you are outdoors, remain there.  In earthquakes, most injuries occur as people are entering or leaving buildings.  Move away from trees, buildings and utility wires.  The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls.  Once in the open, remain there until the shaking stops.

 

• If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road as quickly and safely as possible, avoiding bridges, over/under passes and utility poles.  Remain in the vehicle.  Set the parking brake and turn on the radio for emergency information.  The car may shake violently, but it is a good place to stay until the quake stops.  When you drive on, watch for hazards created by the earthquake.  Limit vehicular traffic to essential travel until the initial disaster is over and keep roadways clear for emergency vehicle access.

 

• If in a high-rise building, get under a desk or heavy furniture.  Do not run for exits since stairways may be broken or jammed with people.  NEVER use elevators.

 

• If in a public place, such as a stadium or movie theater, remain calm and don’t panic!  Don’t rush for the exits, duck and cover your head under the seats.  Exit the building when the shaking stops.

 

Kentucky Division of Emergency Management

For Immediate Release   

January 25, 2007      

Contact: Steve Oglesby 502-607-1658

                                                          

 

GOVERNOR FLETCHER, STATE EMERGENCY OFFICIALS PROCLAIM

EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS WEEK 

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Governor Ernie Fletcher proclaims January 29 - February 6, 2007 as Earthquake Awareness Week.

How well families and homes survive depends on the level of preparedness for and response to a disaster of this type. 

"We have seen the devastation which can be caused by natural disasters," said Governor Fletcher. "It is important for our officials, citizens, communities and schools to be prepared for such an event. During Earthquake Awareness Week, I encourage all Kentuckians to learn more about the effects of earthquakes and what to do if one strikes."  

Steve Oglesby, Kentucky's Earthquake Program Manager, states: “We can do a lot more to be prepared.  Anchoring furniture that is likely to move during a quake and practicing the Duck, Cover and Hold Drill are just a couple of examples.  There are a number of things that we can do in our homes, businesses and government buildings to make them safer.” He added: “As in any disaster, knowing what to do during an actual event and preparing beforehand is crucial. Our role is to help educate and train the citizens of Kentucky to be ready if and when an earthquake occurs.” 

Several related training opportunities are scheduled during Earthquake Awareness Week. These can be found by scrooling down or linking to our training page:

 

# # #

2007 Kentucky Earthquake Preparedness Week

Schedule of Activities: 

Monday, January 29 – Tuesday, January 30, 2006 (Henderson) (Methodist Hospital)

This is the two day Donations Management course delivered by FEMA Region 4 and Kentucky Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (KyVOAD). It is the newly revised federal course with the added policies and procedures of KyVOAD. 

This course addresses the planning and operations of an effective donations management system to ensure efficient use of undesignated donations and spontaneous volunteers during a disaster in conjunction with representatives of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), state and local governments.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 – (Henderson County EOC)

Elected Officials Briefing
2: pm – 4:00 pm

Earthquake Town Hall Meeting
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Thursday, February 1, 2007 (Henderson) (Henderson County EOC)

A one day training course for volunteers interested in learning the FEMA 154 course on how to conduct “Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards”. 

The training describes a rapid visual screening procedure for identifying those buildings that might pose serious risk of loss of life and injury, or of severe curtailment of community services, in case of a damaging earthquake. The screening procedure utilizes a methodology based on a "sidewalk survey" approach that involves identification of the primary structural load resisting system and building materials, and assignment of a basic structural hazards score and performance modification factors based on observed building characteristics. This training is for professionals in the construction and building inspection fields who will volunteer their time to conduct inspections. 

The instructors for the FEMA 154/RVS seminar on February 1 are:

Brian Kehoe and Bob Bruce
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
2200 Powell St., Suite 925
Emeryville, CA  94608

(510) 428-2907
bkehoe@wje.com

 

Friday, February 2, 2007 (Henderson) (Henderson County EOC)

A one day training course for volunteers interested in learning the ATC 20-1 course on how to conduct “Post Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings”

The training, specifically for structural engineers, building inspectors, and others with construction training , includes rapid and detailed evaluation procedures for evaluating earthquake-damaged buildings and posting them as INSPECTED (apparently safe, green placard), LIMITED ENTRY (yellow placard), or UNSAFE (red placard).

The instructor for the ATC 20-1 seminar is:

Robert Bruce
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
2200 Powell St., Suite 925
Emeryville, CA  94608

(510) 428-2907
rbruce@wje.com

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

This is one day before the anniversary of one the largest earthquakes to occur on the continental United States.  Located near Fulton County, Kentucky, it was the second strongest of three quakes to occur between December 16, 1811 and February 7, 1812.

At 10:07 the statewide Duck, Cover and Hold drill will occur.  Those facilities that do not receive an alert from their local EAS or National Weather Service should simulate notification and conduct their drill.  While the Duck Cover and Hold drill is primarily an exercise for schools in Kentucky, it is also the desire to have Kentuckians in private residences, small and large businesses, industry, and local and state government take a moment to consider how they would respond to an earthquake.

Methodist Hospital is located at:
1305 North Elm Street 
Henderson, Kentucky 42420.

The Henderson County EOC is located at:
1990 Barrett Court Suite F, Henderson, Kentucky 

To register for the training classes please email Tonya Coleman, KyEM Training Program Manager at: Tonya.v.coleman@us.army.mil

Due to the recent move of the KyEM Local Programs and Training please copy your class registrations to Steve Oglesby at steve.oglesby@us.army.mil to insure they are received.

For additional information on the training classes, please contact Steve Oglesby, Kentucky Earthquake Program Manager, at 502-607-1658 or at steve.oglesby@us.army.mil.

 

 

When preparing for an earthquake, plan on having enough supplies to get you and your family through atleast five days. After a major earthquake, there’s a good chance that traditional emergency response teams will be too busy to take care of you and your family. You need to prepare your home and neighborhood.

The Plan

 

·        Get what you need and make your emergency suppliers kit

·        Decide where and when to reunite your family if you are separated.  Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact.  Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service. Do not use the phone immediately after an earthquake.

·        Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get to them.

·        If you have a family member who does not speak English, prepare an emergency card written in English indicating that person’s identification, address and any special needs such as medication or allergies. Tell that person to keep the card at all times.

·        Conduct Earthquake: Duck, Cover & Hold drills every six months with your family. Know the safest place in each room because it will be difficult to move from one room to another during a quake.

·        Locate the shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity. Learn how to shut off the valves before a quake. If you have any questions, call your utility company.

·        Make copies of vital records and keep them in another city or state. Make sure your originals are stored safely.

·        Before a quake occurs, learn your city/county plans for emergency shelters and temporary medical centers.

·        Establish all the possible ways to exit your house. Keep those areas clear.

·        Know the locations of the nearest fire and police stations.

·        Take photos and/or videos of your valuables. Make copies and keep them in another city or state.

·        Include your babysitter and other household help in your plans.

·        Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and house and car keys on hand.

·        Keep extra cash and change. If electricity is out, you will not be able to use an ATM.

 

General Tips

 

·        Stay away from heavy furniture, appliances, large glass panes, shelves holding objects, and large decorative masonry, brick or plaster such as fireplaces.

 

·        Keep your hallway clear. It is usually one of the safest places to be during an earthquake.

 

·        Stay away from kitchens and garages because of the items kept in them.

No matter where you are, know how to protect yourself and your family during an earthquake. Practice taking cover as if there were an earthquake and learn the safest places in your home and work. Practice getting out of your home and check to see if the planned exits are clear and if they can become blocked in an earthquake. Practice turning off your electricity and water. Know how to turn off the gas, but do not practice this step. In the event of an earthquake, once you turn off your gas, only your utility company should turn it back on for safety reasons.

   

Duck, Cover and Hold Tips

 

Take COVER under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture.  If that is not possible, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors or tall furniture.

 

When in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, move against an interior wall if you

you are not near a desk or table. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not use the elevators.

 

When OUTDOORS, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.

 

When on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, DUCK into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster and other debris.

 

 

When DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.

 

When in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.  Do not rush for the exit.

 

When in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in your seat, get below the level of the back of the seat and cover your head and neck with your arms.

 

If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.