Are you prepared for a natural disaster?

Are you prepared for a natural disaster. If we were hit with a magnitude 7.0 earthquake today, would you be able to survivie without outside help? It has been estimated that because of destruction to our transportation infrastructure, it could be weeks before our local supermarkets were restocked with goods. With this in mind, I have prepared a list of things that I have done to prepare for the “Big One”.

1) If a large earthquake strikes that clearly has impacted the roads and freeways and the ability to transport goods into Los Angeles, you might want to consider an immediate visit to your supermarket to make sure that you have at least a 3 weeks supply of the following:

Drinking water ( I keep 6 to 8 extra 5 gallon containers of water stored in my garage). It is recommended that at least 5 gallons per person be stored.

Toilet paper

Canned or bottled goods including sources of protein (tuna, soups, chili, beef stew, peanut butter and jelly, meat sauce) as well as fruits and vegetables, Include a supply of pasta

I always try and keep at least a 2 weeks supply of canned food and fruit in a pantry in the garage for emergencies. Assuming no electricity, I would expect to eat the food in my refrigerator for the first 2 to 3 days, and then move to the food in the freezer over the next several days before starting in on the canned goods.

Make sure you have a manual can opener

2) I have a propane outdoor bar-b-que and I always keep 2 extra propane containers

3) You should have an outdoor tent that you can use in your backyard in case your home is not inhabitable

4) You may want to keep a portable camping toilet with bags, again in case the plumbing system is not useable.

5) Keep a battery operated radio to keep in contact, and make sure you have extra batteries

6) Keep an emergency medical kit. If at all possible, try and keep at least a 2 week supply of your prescription medications on hand

7) Emergency lighting, flashlights (with plenty of batteries)

8) Make sure you know how to turn off your gas as well as your water supply

9) One of the really good pieces of advice I have heard recently, is that if an earthquake hits, you should try and lay down next to a strong piece of furniture such as a bed, couch, or dining table. Do not lay under these items, but right next to them. Experts have found that if the ceiling collapses, that a “void” area is usually created next to these large pieces of furniture. This advice is far better than the old advice of standing in a doorway or under a piece of furniture.

The following is a link to the LA Fire Department Emergency Manual: http://lafd.org/eqbook.pdf

For more information about the the Palos Verdes Peninsula, visit my website at https://rightreligion.stellarwp.site