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Tomorrow, October 17th will mark the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989.
Twenty years ago two 50-foot sections of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge collapsed because of the Loma Prieta earthquake. That wasn't the only damage: 63 people were killed, about 3,800 people were injured, and the 6.9 magnitude quake caused over $10 billion in damage across the Bay Area.
The reconstruction of the Bay Bridge turned out to be the largest public works project in California history -- and it's still not finished two decades later.
As we look back to the quake that even postponed the World Series between the San Francisco Giants vs. the Oakland Athletics, I ask: What were you doing when the quake hit?
In 1989 I was 3 years old and vividly remember the earthquake that shuck my world. Now living in San Francisco up the hill from the Marina District - one of the neighborhoods that was severely damaged, I wonder how prepared is everyone?
One thing that we can learn from Loma Prieta is that people were grossly unprepared. Here are tips for being prepared:
If you are indoors when shaking starts:
- “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.” If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
-Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects.
-Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking.
-If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. There are no open areas in downtown San Francisco far enough from glass or other falling debris to be considered safe refuge sites. Glass from high-rise buildings does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and travel great distances.
-If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
-Do not use elevators.
-If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head.
If you are outdoors when shaking starts:
-Move to a clear area if you can safely walk. Avoid power lines, buildings and trees.
-If you’re driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overhead hazards
-If you are on the beach, move to higher ground. An earthquake can cause a tsunami.
Once the earthquake shaking stops:
-Check the people around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
-Check around you for dangerous conditions, such as fires, downed power lines and structure damage.
-If you have fire extinguishers and are trained to use them, put out small fires immediately.
-Turn off the gas only if you smell gas.
-Check your phones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.
-Inspect your home for damage.
If you are trapped in debris:
-Move as little as possible so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
-Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.
Build a Kit
After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily.
Your basic emergency kit should include:
* Water – one gallon per person per day
* Food – ready to eat or requiring minimal water
* Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
* Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
* First Aid kit & instructions
* A copy of important documents & phone numbers
* Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.
* Heavy work gloves
* Disposable camera
* Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
* Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
* Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
* Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords.
* Blanket or sleeping bag
* Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
* Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets.
A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
* Flashlight
* Radio – battery operated
* Batteries
* Whistle
* Dust mask
* Pocket knife
* Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
* Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
* Local map
* Some water and food
* Permanent marker, paper and tape
* Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
* List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
* List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
* Copy of health insurance and identification cards
* Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
* Prescription medications and first aid supplies
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Extra keys to your house and vehicle
* Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.
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