EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION ** SURVIVE THE BIG ONE !!! INVENTORY THOSE EMERGENCY SUPPLIES A major earthquake may knock out services for some time. Disaster services officials warn that it may be as long as 72 hours before help arrives, if severe damage occurs. Be prepared to be on your own and to take care of yourself and loved ones without assistance, if necessary. The following list is the minimum emergency supplies you should have on hand-- at work, at home, and even in your car to help you through the period immediately following a major quake. FLASHLIGHTS are safe to use immediately. Be sure to have extra batteries on hand, and keep a flashlight beside your bed. PORTABLE RADIO with spare batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or used for emergency purposes, so radios will be your best source of information. FIRST AID KIT: Have a first aid kit and book such as the Standard First Aid and Personal Safety by the American National Red Cross. Have members of your household take basic first aid and CPR courses. WATER: It should be stored in airtight containers and replaced about every 12 months. A family of 4 should have about 6 gallons for 3 days. Also have purification tablets, but read the label on the bottle befoe using the tablets. Liquid household bleach works, too, as a purifier. However, it must contain sodium hypochlorite. Two to four drops per quart will purify even cloudy water. FOOD: Have sufficient canned or dehydrated food and powdered milk for at least two weeks of meals. PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES: It's a good idea to keep an extra month's supply of prescription medicines on hand for those who are under a doctor's care for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Rotate supplies to keep fresh. PIPE WRENCHES AND CRESCENT WRENCHES for turning off gas and water mains. HOME SAFETY SUGGESTIONS: 1. Secure water heater, refrigerator, book shelves, and other tall and heavy furniture to wall studs. 2. Move heavy items to lower shelves. 3. Install clips, latches, and other locking devices on cabinet doors. 4. Provide strong support and flexible connections on gas appliances. 5. Remove or isolate flammable materials. 6. Don't place bed under window. 7. Don't place heavy objects (paintings or mirrors) over bed. 8. Keep exit routes clear. 9. Keep flashlight and battery-powered radio near bed. 10. Keep sturdy shoes near bed. REHEARSE FOR THE BIG ONE Learn what to do when the shaking starts: l. If you're indoors, stay indoors. Get under a table, desk, or bed and hold on to the legs; or brace yourself in a strong doorway or corner. Watch for falling, flying and sliding objects. Stay away from windows. 2. If you're outdoors, stay outdoors. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, power poles, brick or block walls and other objects that could fall on you. 3. If you're in an automoble, pull over and stop. Stay in the car until the shaking stops. Avoid stopping near trees and power lines, on or under overpasses. 4. If you're in a high-rise building, get under a desk until the shaking stops. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR to evacuate. Wait for instructions from building authorities. 5. If you're in a store, get under a table, or any sturdy object, or in a doorway. Avoid stopping under anything that could fall. DO NOT DASH FOR THE EXIT. Choose your exit carefully 6. Use flashlights only if it's dark. DO NOT light a match or turn on electrical switches. Sparks may cause explosions if gas is leaking. 7 REMAIN CALM. Breathe deeply and slowly count to 50. Don't panic and waste your energy. You could endanger yourself and others by panicking, and you'll need that energy later during the clean-up. Go over these steps with your family. Then rehearse. Call spot earthquake drills until every member of your family learns to respond automatically. AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE l. Expect aftershocks. Move carefully. 2. Put on heavy shoes immediately to avoid injury from stepping on glass and other debris. 3. Check for injuries and give first aid. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger. 4. Do not use the telephone immediately unless there is a serious injury or a fire. 5. Check for fires and fire hazards. a. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the hot water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off main gas valve, open windows, and carefully leave house. DO NOT turn lights on or off or light matches or do anything that makes a spark. NOTE: Do not shut off gas unless an emergency exists. DO NOT turn it back on until the gas company or a plumber has checked it out. b. If water leaks are suspected, shut off water at the main valve. Turn off water heater power source and in- take valve so water remains safe for emergency use. c. If damage to electrical system is suspected (frayed wires, sparks or the smell of hot insulation), turn off system at main circuit breaker or fuse box. 6. Check building for cracks and damage, including roof, chimneys, and foundation. 7. Turn on radio or television. Use battery powered radio or car radio if necessary. Listen for damage reports and information. 8. Confine household pets. 9. Check neighbors and neighborhood for injuries and fire hazards. l0. Check emergency supplies. 11. Clean up debris -- glass, spilled medicines, flammable liquids, bleaches and gasoline. 12. If you must evacuate, prominently post a message indicating where you can be found. Take with you medicines and first aid kit; flashlight; radio and batteries; important papers and cash; food; sleeping bags; extra clothes; eye glasses. Go to mass care center as announced over the radio or to the nearest public school.