Seven steps for that next quake

Reactions were all over the map. I didn’t even wake up. Minutes after our 5.8 quake Wednesday night, a frightened friend began a series of alarmed posts on social media — all caps, multiple exclamation points.

Then there’s our earthquake-veteran daughter, who just shrugged at the shaking shelves; after experiencing one near the epicenter in Ecuador last year, this version was child’s play.

The Pacific Northwest has seismic activity to thank for much of its stunning beauty. Earthquakes here are a fact of life, like hurricanes in Florida and tornadoes in Texas. Idaho geologists have recorded hundreds since the mid-20th century. While most are small, and the worst likely to occur in eastern and central Idaho, the whole state can experience moderate quakes. Geologic evidence shows movement on Idaho’s faults can cause earthquakes of magnitudes up to 7.5.

Do you know what to do if the next one is bigger? The Idaho Geological Survey and Bureau of Homeland Security suggest these “Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety:”

Before:

1. Identify and fix potential hazards. Unsecured objects may cause injury, so make sure heavy objects (e.g., bookcases, TV stands, large electronic devices) are properly secured. Consider moving smaller objects that could become projectiles.

2. Create a disaster- preparedness plan. Discuss and rehearse how to protect yourself, find safe spots in every room, and what to do if separated.

3. Create emergency preparedness kits. At minimum, that’s medical supplies and a three-day supply of food and one gallon of water per person, per day.

4. Identify and fix potential building weaknesses. Take the Structural-Safety Quiz on page 30 of the Handbook for Earthquakes in Idaho, at Ioem.idaho.gov.

During an earthquake:

5. Protect yourself during shaking. If indoors, stay inside and “drop, cover, and hold on.” Stay away from windows, doors, hanging objects, large appliances, and cabinets with heavy objects. Drop under a desk or table, or drop to the floor against an interior wall. Never take an elevator.

If outdoors, open and clear areas are safest. Stay away from buildings, windows or overhead objects that might fall. Drop to the ground until the shaking stops.

If driving, slow down and drive to an open place. Don’t stop on overpasses, underpasses, or bridges. Watch for overhead hazards such as power lines, trees, signs, or falling debris. Turn off the ignition, set the parking brake, and stay in the vehicle.

After:

6. Check for injuries and damage. Don’t move seriously injured people, unless they’re in immediate danger of further injury. Check for hazardous conditions, such as fire, gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring, downed utility lines, falling items, and spills. Don’t forget aftershocks may occur; remember to “drop, cover, and hold on.”

7. When safe, continue to use the disaster-preparedness plan, watching for hazardous conditions. Don’t go back in a building until you know it’s safe. Check for news and safety advisories.

For more information about earthquakes, including historical and geological information, see Ioem.idaho.gov/Pages/Preparedness/Hazards.aspx.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who gladly traded tropical hurricanes for quakes. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.