Earthquake Tips

Yesterday we felt an earthquake in Southern California and many residents of Costa Mesa felt it.  Since we care about you, your family, and your home we thought this would be a good time to provide some helpful earthquake tips. After all, you can never be too safe.  Please forward this on to your friends and family members.  We got these from Geology.com.BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:-Review the safe places to be during an earthquake, like under a strong desk and along interior walls.  Also know the bad places to be, which are near windows, large mirrors, under objects that could fall, and next to heavy furniture that could fall over.-Prepare an earthquake emergency kit.  Some important items to have in it are batteries, a battery operated radio, flashlights, lots of bottled water and canned food to last about 2 weeks, medical supplies/first aid kit.-Stage your home right.  For instance don’t put heavy objects in shelves that could fall down and hurt someone.  Also, try not to hang heavy pictures or mirrors above beds.-Brace major appliances and furniture.-Learn where to turn off your water, gas, and electricity-Keep flammable liquids far from ignition sourcesWHEN AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES:-Get in a safe position.  Stay inside if you are all ready there.  Getting under a large sturdy desk or near an interior wall is smart.  You don’t want to be near furniture that could fall on you or any other objects that could topple over.  Outside, it’s best to be away from trees, power lines, and buildings.  And if you are driving pull over to the side of the road safely.  You want to avoid bridges, underpasses, big signs, and power lines.-If you are cooking, turn off the stove and find a safe spot.AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS:-Check for injuries on yourself and others.-Check for damage.  If your building does not seem safe you should leave it until a professional checks it out.-If you smell gas, get everyone out of the house or building.  If there is time, open the doors and windows.  If it is safe, turn off the gas at the meter.  Let your gas company and fire department know.  Make sure not to use electrical appliances since it could ignite the gas.-If the power goes out, you should unplug major appliances until the power comes back on.  This will help protect your appliances when the power comes back on.Living in Costa Mesa and anywhere in Southern California leaves us at risk for earthquakes.  Awareness about earthquake safety is key.  If you have any other tips we’d love to include them.