Earthquake
An earthquake can cause extreme property damage and utility loss. If you live in an area that is at high risk of an earthquake—such as near a fault line—take steps to reinforce your property and its foundation. Household goods should be stockpiled to prepare for utility loss and a scarcity of supplies, and be prepared to evacuate in the event that your property becomes uninhabitable.
Consider adding earthquake insurance to your home insurance policy, download the FEMA app, and download the American Red Cross App to let family know you’re safe and well.
Earthquake Stockpiles Should Include:
The Basics
Refer to the Basic Stockpile List, including all items for Sheltering-In-Place. and Evacuating.
Take special note of the following items: First aid kit, tools, cleanup tools and clothing, home inventory, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector
N95 Respirators
N95 Respirators / What to know?
Use an N95 respirator for post-disaster cleanup. While plenty of face masks exist on the market, only N95 respirators provide medical-grade protection against infectious droplets and hazardous air particles. A proper N95 respirator will be National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved and FDA cleared for medical use. Non-FDA cleared masks are generally designed for industrial purposes that do not consider medical uses.
Note that:
• N95 means the respirator is capable of blocking out 95% of particulates in the air when properly worn.
• Despite the confusing name, a KN95 is not an N95 respirator. KN95s are unregulated and the majority provide inferior filtration.
• Avoid exhalation valves, which defeat the respirator’s ability to protect others from you.
• Pay close attention to authenticity given rampant counterfeits.
N95 Respirators / Where To Buy?
Wall Fasteners
Furniture and appliances at risk of tipping over during an earthquake—such as refrigerators and bookcases—should be reinforced to the wall to prevent injury and damage.
