Wayne County Emergency Management reminds the community February is Earthquake Awareness Month. Officials say that the best time to prepare for any disaster, including earthquakes is to prepare before the disaster.
Below are tips provided by the Wayne County EMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On with family and coworkers.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes