Plan to Be Safe

From Washington State Military Dept--Emergency Management Division In the coming weeks we will feature earthquake preparedness and safety recommendations as an optional addition to your ShakeOut participation, which will improve your readiness for a big earthquake or other emergencies. Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. The Washington Military Department - Emergency Management Division provides downloadable action plans for how you can plan to be safe from earthquakes, tsunamis, and other hazards, as part of a variety of resources to help you Prepare in a Year. Here are highlights of what to consider when planning for earthquakes: • Identify safe spots in every room, such as under sturdy desks or tables, or on the ground next to an interior wall away from windows and things that may fall. • Earthquakes can start fires, so store a fire extinguisher where it can be easily accessed, and learn how to use it (P.A.S.S. - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). • People often cut their feet during or after earthquakes when they get out of bed and walk barefoot on broken glass or other fallen objects. To keep shoes and a flashlight within reach, put them in a bag under your bed. • Access to making long distance phone calls is usually restored first. Choose someone who lives out of the area for everyone in your family to report their status, then learn how to Text First, Talk Second from ShakeOut partner Safe America Foundation. • If you are a person with a disability or need extra help, include your personal support network in your plan and visit EarthquakeCountry.org/disability for a variety of resources. • Find out if you live, work or play in a tsunami zone and make sure everyone knows how to get to higher ground if necessary. To find out if you’re in the zone, visit: https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/geology/?Theme=tsunami_evac