GET READY TO RUMBLE The latest research suggests that the Pacific Northwest may get slammed by a giant, coastal earthquake of magnitude 8 to 9 every 250 years on average – and it’s been 313 years since the last one. Earthquakes may be unpredictable – but they are also inevitable. Here are some tips to help you get ready before the next one hits. Evaluate each room Ask yourself: If the residence began shaking, what would topple? How can I secure it? Shelves and desktops Glue a restraining lip around desktops and along the front of shelves to prevent objects from falling. STRATEGIZE Create a family plan Create a family emergency plan: • Hold a home evacuation drill. • Choose a nearby meeting place. • Have a plan for reuniting. • Anticipate transportation failures. • Designate an out-of-state relative to be a check-in contact for everyone. • Mobile apps, like the Red Cross’ earthquake app, can allow family members to communicate. • Keep photos of family members and pets in your wallet, in case they turn up missing. • Text messages often go through when phone service is down. Work together • Join with your neighbors and plan to help each other. Identify residents’ expertise and vulnerable households that might need extra help. • Take a first-aid course. Learn CPR. • The city of Seattle’s SNAP Program can help neighborhoods prepare. Navigate ahead PREPARE YOUR HOME Place heavy objects and electronic equipment on lower shelves to minimize damage. Hanging lamps Anchor securely with closed hooks. Tall furniture Large furniture may fall onto you or block exits after a quake. Anchor pieces like bookcases and file cabinets to studs in the wall using metal “L” brackets. Vases, breakables Place beanbags of sand in the bottom of delicate containers to hold them down. Anchor glass and other fragile objects to surfaces with museum putty. A safer bedroom Place bed away from windows. Close blinds at night to prevent possible breaking glass from flying into the room. Wall mirrors and pictures should be hung on double hooks. Use heavy double-sided tape on the back to further secure to the wall. Keep a flashlight, spare batteries and sturdy shoes beneath the bed. Fire extinguisher Keep a large multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher (ABC rating) near kitchen and garage appliances. All family members should be instructed on how to use it. Cupboards Secure latches on cupboards to prevent doors from swinging open. Know routes to the nearest: • Police and fire stations • Hospital emergency room • Find out your school district’s disaster policy regarding transportation and the release of students. STRENGTHEN YOUR FOUNDATION • Before the quake, familiarize yourself with the safe areas in your house, office and other buildings you frequent. SECURE YOUR WATER HEATER An upright water heater is less likely to break its connection and leak gas after an earthquake, and it can be a source of drinking water. Store household chemicals safely, preferably near the floor. Know your utilities • All family members should know how and when to turn off the utilities: gas, electric and water. For more information • Earthquake Country Alliance: www.earthquakecountry.info/roots • FEMA: www.ready.gov • “Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country” by Peter Yanev and Andrew C.T. Thompson Strengthen cripple walls To prevent buckling or sliding, add plywood sheathing to reinforce “cripple” walls between the foundation and first floor. Install flexible pipes Bolt down Secure walls to foundation by drilling bolts through the sill - the wooden board directly on top of it. A seismic retrofit contractor can assess your risks, or you can take courses to do it yourself. Prevent rigid gas pipes from tearing by hiring a licensed contractor to install flexible connection pipes, which allow for more movement between appliances and their supply lines. Strap to wall Use a water heater strapping kit to secure water heater to studs in the wall.