STORY AND PHOTO BY VIVIANA GARCIA, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
California is known for its earthquakes and while the “big one” is set to arrive unexpectedly residents should be prepared.
On Saturday, May 8, a magnitude 3.7 earthquake was reported two miles from Redondo Beach and a series of small quakes struck Los Angeles on May 3, including a 4.0 reported near Inglewood, according to reports in the Los Angeles Times.
Recent winter storms in Texas and California wildfires issue local concerns about how equipped residents are for the aftermath of natural disasters, including items for an earthquake kit.
Orange County has a 75% likelihood of being struck with a magnitude 7.0 or greater quake according to the California Earthquake Authority and although, it is unsure when having supplies is crucial.
An Earthquake’s magnitude is measured by its seismic activity and according to USGS a magnitude 5.3 is considered moderate in comparison to a magnitude 6.3 is a strong quake.
A survey conducted locally with Cypress College students revealed a major reason people are unprepared is they have not actively made the effort although they would like to.
“You’d be prepared. When an earthquake hits, it hits. There’s no time to think. No time to act. The only thing on your mind is survival.” said Zaira Salgado, a Cypress Student majoring in Administration of Justice (Criminology) and International Studies, via a survey about the importance of having a kit.
Several disaster preparedness companies and organizations have created lists of items to have available for a natural disaster. These are a few items that have been highly recommended to have accessible by various agencies.
- Multi-Purpose Tools – A radio and flashlights with batteries are vital for the consequences of an earthquake. Additional items to add would be knives, a can opener, and even a waste bucket.
- Medical Supplies – Ready to use kits from the store include basic necessary items to treat minor injuries, cuts, or scapes to reduce the risk of infection. Also, consider having sufficient prescription medications in the case of an emergency.
- Weather Resistant Garments – Durable, comfortable, and versatile garments including sturdy shoes with multiple changes of clothing are beneficial. Blankets, sleeping bags, and protective gear should be considered based on the conditions of the area.
- Food – Canned items with long shelf lives like vegetables, soups, and meats contain crucial nutrients. Non-perishable foods to consider include trail mixes, granola bars, crackers, and cereals that last between 6 to 12 months.
1.Water – One gallon of water per person, per day is ideal and should be stored properly for a minimum of 3 days up to 2-weeks. It’s also important to consider any pets or additional needs to an individual’s lifestyle.
Resources offered on Ready.gov ensure that families can uniquely tailor their plans and supplies for the event that an emergency strikes.
For additional information about how to prepare for an emergency visit the Red Cross.org
