Our colleagues over at American Business Bank recently sent us a reminder about the need to be vigilant and prepared for earthquakes. While we focus at LifeSteps Financial on being vigilant and prepared with finances, this reminded us to be equally vigilant and prepared for unexpected acts of mother nature. In California, that means earthquakes and fires. Here are some of the most important considerations for earthquake preparedness:
- Family Earthquake Drills, especially for younger kids to learn how to protect themselves. (Covered in detail in the FEMA Earthquake Safety Checklist, pages 9-11)
- First Aid Kit and Manual
- Flashlights in every room of the house beside each bed (with extra batteries)
- Gas, Water and Tools so that everyone (of appropriate age) in your household can turn off the gas and water valves (with a pipe wrench or crescent/adjustable wrench); write down the instructions
- Portable or Solar Radios and Portable/Wireless Cell Phone Chargers (costs as little as $23 on Amazon)
- 1 Gallon of water per person per day for at least a 72-hour period
- Kit Storage Locations: Home, Work and Car
- Supply of cash (small bills too) for use if ATMS, banks, and credit cards are not operating
- Copies of important documents(insurance policies, health insurance, bank and credit card statements, copies of marriage/birth certificates, copies of family trusts, wills, etc.) in a bank safe deposit box or fireproof safe
- No heavy picture frames or mirrors over beds
- Fire Extinguishers
- Special Medications
- Extra supplies for pet needs
Additional resources can be found below:
