Today a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit San Diego, CA. Many of us all the way in Orange County, CA felt this earthquake and it lasted for quite awhile. This is one of many earthquakes that have hit this year and made me ask myself, "what would I do and what SHOULD I do during an earthquake?" FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has some great information for us. Read below or visit their website HERE:

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

What Will You Do With Your Time?

We are all trying to make sure we are prepared for a disaster. We are increasing our food supply, storing water, collecting first aid and other kits, etc. These things are very important and should be top priority. While much of your time could be spent helping others depending on the circumstances, have you ever stopped to think about what you would do with your time or how you would keep your restless children happy and fill their time?

Here is a list of some things you may want to consider adding to your emergency grab bag or 72 hour kit:

• A few long novels that you would enjoy reading
• A few childrens books that your children would enjoy
• Sticker books
• Crossword puzzles
• Sudoku
  
• Playing cards
  
• Travel games
• Magazines
• Scriptures
• Candy
• Comic books
• Journals
• Blank paper/paper pads and pencils/pens

This is only a start, but the key is to think about what you would like to do with your spare time and try to make sure you have it packed in a quick grab bag. This can to pass the time and ease the trials a little.

What Would You Use for Shelter in an Emergency?

Most people probably have a tent that they would use in case of an emergency and needed to evacuate their home. This is great and we encourage everyone to make sure they have a tent for their family. But what would you do during the day if the weather was hot and the sun was beating down on you? What if there was no shade where you had to camp? I think the obvious answer is that you would be miserable. Most tents have windows, but if you have ever camped in the hot summer, you know that you wouldn't want to stay in a tent all day.

We all need to have some type of cover that will provide shade during the middle of the day. There are companies that sell shade canopies that you pull out of a bag and they pop up fairly easily, but these can be expensive and quite bulky, but are very easy to use. EZ UP is a very popular brand and can be found at their website. This is what one may look like:

 A quick and easy solution would be to get a tarp. These are light weight and can be easily used  by tying them to surrounding trees, poles etc... or even draping them over ropes or poles. This is a must have on everyone's emergency supply list. One example on how to use a tarp is shown below and can be purchased at Cabela's from their website:

Find out what works for your family and make sure it is easy to grab and go! You will be VERY grateful you have shade and cover in the event of an emergency.