Use the reading below to answer 1-10 in your spiral

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1 Use the reading below to answer 1-10 in your spiral Earthquake Safety HASPI MS Medical Earth Science Lab 03c Directions Being prepared in case of an earthquake or other disaster is the best defense. Individuals who experience an earthquake are at risk of injury related to falling debris, building collapse, fires, gas inhalation, suffocation, electrocution, dehydration, and death. Preparedness, awareness, and elimination of hazards can reduce the health risks associated with earthquakes and other disasters. Complete the Earthquake Safety Checklist with a parent or guardian. Once the checklist has been completed and graded, store the checklist in a safe place to refer to in case of an earthquake emergency. Materials Earthquake Safety Checklist Directions Task Response Complete the Earthquake Safety Checklist with a parent/guardian. Keep a copy somewhere safe for reference in case of an earthquake or other disaster. Answer the questions below after completing the checklist. Analysis Questions 1 Why is it important to be prepared for an earthquake? 2 Why should you not rely on cell phones following an earthquake?

2 3 4 What is the purpose of preparing a disaster supply kit? Why is it important to know how to turn off utilities in your home? 5 6 What were the top three earthquake hazards you found in your home? Where is the safest place in your home? 7 Where is the most dangerous place in your home? 8 9 Why is it important to stay off of overpasses and bridges following an earthquake? What is your first priority once an earthquake is over?

3 1 0 Where does your family plan to reunite? Why is this a good location? Earthquake Safety Checklist HASPI Middle School Earth Science Activity 03c Based on Earthquake Safety Checklist FEMA B-526/December 2014 produced and distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Name: Period: Date: Earthquake safety and preparedness can reduce the occurrence of serious injury and death. It is rarely the actual ground movement that results in injury/death, which most often occur from falling objects and building collapse. In addition, a high magnitude earthquake may temporarily cause the interruption of local resources such as electricity, water, communications, and emergency services. FEMA recommends every household have the ability to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Being prepared for service interruption and aware of safety hazards can reduce your health risk, less the overall impact, and possibly even save your life when an earthquake occurs. Complete the following checklist with a parent/guardian to improve the safety of your home and be better prepared for an earthquake.

4 Where do you live? What is your risk? Step 1. Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit Collect the following items in a safe and easily accessible location. While you likely have most of the following supplies already in your home, it is important to have them in an area that is easy to get to in case of a disaster. Check off each collected item: Food - enough for 3 days; non-perishable (canned or dehydrated), non-salted, and any tools needed to eat the food (utensils, can opener, etc.) Water - minimum 1 gallon per person per day (bottled water)

5 Flashlight(s) Portable radio or TV - telephones may be out and it is important to have access to emergency information Batteries - spare batteries for flashlight and radio/tv First aid kit - it is also important to know how to use the supplies; it is recommended that at least one member of the home have first aid & CPR training Fire extinguisher(s) Special needs items - medications, sanitation, infant needs Documents & cash - credit card machines and ATMs may be out Tools - crescent wrench, pipe wrench, lighter, matches, whistle Clothing - at least one change of clothes Pet supplies A plan for any disabilities *Where is your disaster supply kit stored? Please sign below to confirm that the majority of items in the checklist above have been collected and stored in a safe place in case of a disaster. Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: Step 2. Home Safety Check

6 Utilities It may be necessary to shut off utility services for safety reasons. With your parent/guardian, find and learn how to shut off each of the following services. Check the box once each is complete. Water Find the water meter box. This may be located inside your home or at the street/sidewalk. A shut-off valve will be located inside the water meter box. Gas Find the gas turn off valve. DO NOT turn off gas unless it is an emergency. Gas that has been shut off must be turned back on by a professional. Electricity Find the breaker box. Learn how to shut off the main breaker. Safety Hazards Identify and fix any of the possible hazards in your home. Check the box once each hazard has been identified and fixed OR a plan has been made to fix the issue. Heavy Furniture - Is there any heavy furniture (bookcases, cabinets, etc.) that could fall over? If yes, are they secured to the wall? Secure furniture that is not. Water Heater - I s the water heater secured to the wall? Secure the water heater to prevent it falling and rupturing any pipes Appliances - Are appliances firmly in place (oven, washer/dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher)? Secure to prevent movement that could rupture water or gas lines. Hanging Decorations - Are there any hanging decorations (plants, lamps, etc.) that could swing loose from hooks? Remove or secure decorations. Heavy Decorations - Are there any heavy or breakable items in high places? Remove or secure decorations. Pictures - Are there any heavy picture frames over beds or seating areas? Remove or secure pictures. Cabinets - Are cabinets latched to prevent the contents from falling out? Install latches. Chimney - Is the chimney made of brick that could fall through a weak roof? Be aware that this is a hazard, and plan escape routes/safe locations accordingly.

7 Flammables - Are any flammable liquids, such as cleaning products, stored near flame sources? Change storage location for those that are. Please sign below to confirm that the utility locations and hazards have been identified and/or fixed whenever possible. Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: Step 3. Be Prepared! What should you do if an earthquake occurs? Review and/or practice the following steps in an earthquake drill until the reactions become second nature. Wherever you are, it is important to react as quickly as possible. If you are indoors : Drop, Cover, & Hold On! - the risk of injury increases with movement; identify a safe spot as quickly as possible Safe spots - under heavy furniture, against an inside wall or corner, or in an inner doorway; Identify safe spots in your home Danger spots - be aware of items that could fall, windows that may break, or unsecured furniture; Identify danger spots in your home If you are outdoors : Remain outdoors, do not try to get indoors Move away from buildings, trees, or any thing else that may fall or move into you If you are in a car : Stop and pull to the side of the road Avoid overpasses, bridges, trees, and buildings Proceed cautiously once the earthquake is over and avoid damaged roadways, bridges, and overpasses If you become trapped :

8 Don t light any matches or lighters Cover your mouth with clothing to prevent breathing in dust Tap on walls or pipes to alert rescuers, and use a whistle if you have one; avoid shouting unless you know someone is within hearing distance; shouting can cause you to inhale dust and dangerous particles Please sign below to confirm that the steps above have been reviewed and practiced when possible. Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: Step 4. Post Earthquake What do you do once an earthquake is over? Review the following checklist. It may help to store the checklist with your disaster supply kit. Safety - get to a safe place if you are not in one Injuries - check for and treat any injuries; follow first aid and CPR protocols Disaster Supply Kit - get your disaster supply kit if needed Emergency Information - listen to the radio for emergency information; know that telephone and cell services may be limited Be Aware - be watchful for dangers such as tsunamis, aftershocks, fires, etc. Reunite - plan to reunite at the arranged location if family members separated Hazards use a flashlight to check for the following possible hazards: o Look for small fires and use the fire extinguisher o Open doors and cupboards cautiously; objects may have shifted

9 o Check electrical, gas, and water lines for leaks or damage; switch off if needed o Check for damage or cracks in walls, chimneys, or foundation (flooring) o Clean up any spills (liquids, medicines, etc.) or objects (glass, furniture, etc.) o Check water and food supplies o Stay home and indoors if conditions are safe o If your home remains unsafe, leave and seek help Where do you plan to reunite? Please sign below to confirm that the steps above have been reviewed. Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: Emergency Contact Card Complete the information on the card. Cut out the card and fold it on the dotted line. Clear tape over the card will make it last longer. Keep the card with you in case of an emergency.