EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Many of you may know, this last Sunday, Greg LeBlanc (our Ward Emergency Preparedness Specialist) talked with the Priesthood about an impending earthquake.  The short version is, he felt prompted--many times--to prepare our ward for an earthquake...a big one.

He added the caveat that he hopes he is wrong.  Personally, I think he is right.

Fast forward to Wednesday morning, when there was a 3.5 magnitude earthquake just off of Coronado Island.  And to top it off, yesterday I discovered a report that a study by the Geological Society of America found what is called the Durmid ladder structure at the southern end of the San Andreas fault.  Basically, movement along this area could trigger a large earthquake (possibly magnitude 8.0), devastating Southern California.

Now, even before I learned about the 'new' geological evidence, I trusted that Brother LeBlanc's warning needs some notice.  His calling is to help our ward prepare for an emergency, and he is entitled to revelation on this exact subject.

Now, no need to panic and go crazy!  Heavenly Father has promised us that, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30).  So, let's get prepared!

Back in January, I challenged all of us to put together a 3-minute kit to keep under your bed, tied to a bedpost.  I still think it is a good idea.

Brother LeBlanc gave a handout to the Brothers on Sunday, but I feel like his information is very pertinent and I would like to share it here as well.


BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE
Talk to your family about earthquake safety, what is the plan for those at school or work
Secure tall furniture, bookcases, etc to wall studs
Assume anything on countertops, desks, tables will fall off, either secure them or remove them now
Don't have pictures or mirrors over your bed
Keep a pair of shoes under your bed
Keep a working flashlight and a whistle in each room, preferably in a nightstand
Have a crescent or pipe wrench to be able to turn off your gas supply
Consider obtaining earthquake insurance
Important papers, have in one easy obtainable location, but preferable to have electronic copies
Keep one car parked outside the garage away from the house
Charge rechargeable flashlights, radios
Exterior solar lights work as a light source, just bring them inside at night

PREPAREDNESS SUPPLIES
72 hour kit
Water, at LEAST one gallon per person per day
Batteries, flashlights, lanterns
First Aid kit
Leather gloves
Fire extinguisher(s)
Generator with fuel and power cords
Portable radio
Food, canned, freeze dried
Portable stove
Manual can opener

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
For you preparation, assume you will be on your own for at least 72 hours
Assume power will be out, water will be contaminated or unavailable, and cell phones don't work
Check in on neighbors and those you minister to and report status
Assume there will be strong aftershocks
Stay away from coast until tsunami danger passes
If you smell gas, turn off your gas meter
Fires are very common after earthquakes, have fire extinguishers and an evacuation plan

AUTO PREPAREDNESS
Avoid bridges and the coast, assume traffic signals don't function, assume crazy people
Rather than driving home in a serious earthquake it may be better to shelter at an LDS meeting house or with a friend.
Keep your fuel tank at least half full at all times (half a tank is your new "empty")
Keep at least $100 in various denominations hidden in your vehicle
Keep a phone charger in your vehicle
Keep a knapsack with 1 gallon water, food, tennis shoes or boots and socks, blanket or sleeping bag, poncho or rain jacket, flashlight, first aid kit, extra clothes, wipe ups, pepper spray
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This week, I do more than challenge you...I beg you to be prepared.  If something big comes, you will be ready.  If it does not come, you will be ready.  Either way, there is no need to fear.