Earthquakes

Have you ever wondered why anyone would like to live in an area where there are earthquakes? Unbeknownst to most U.S. citizens there are more earthquakes in the U.S. other than the West Coast.

If you believe you are not living in a earthquake area perhaps you will be rather surprised to find that you may, in fact, dwell in a "quiet" fault area. Check out recent USA earthquakes and see if you indeed do live where earthquakes can occur. Just in case you think all the earth shaking is going on only on the West coast of the U.S., think again. Central and Eastern United States have their fair share of earthquakes, too.

One Congressman Samuel Mitchell, who received and documented the 1811 and 1812 earthquakes is informative reading for any person living in the Midwest and Eastern Region of the United States.

The best way to protect your family and yourself in any type of diaster is to understand the potential for diaster. You need to be prepared for any and all types of possiblities. Never allow yourself or anyone else to tell you that you are paranoid of diasters. Not being prepared is in most cases all the more reason to be wary of any natural diaster.

More people are hurt during the aftermath of an earthquake than during the actual quake. Panic sets in and masses of people race to the stores, clearing shelves and most times running with whatever they can carry. Although the earthquake is blamed for the injuries, it is panic and fear that are the true culprits. 

If you are living on this planet, the odds are that at sometime you will experience a natural diaster. Are you prepared to "live a few days" without modern conveniences? If not, do you even know where to start to be prepared?

Many live in a very active earthquake area, and it is unnerving being thrown from your bed in the wee hours of the morning. It is not the preferred wake-up call. 

Being prepared is better than being at the mercy of the natural and human forces about you. From the different natural diasters witnessed first hand, a majority of human issues could have been avoided if proper planning by individuals had taken place.

You need a plan for you, and your family. There is nothing more stressful than not knowing where your family is during a crisis. Cell phones are great tools during diasters -- as long as the power to the towers is working, you have a charged phone and etc. A well-thoughtout plan that you have taken time to discuss with your family is critical when diaster strikes.

Earthquakes are usually short lived in thier duration; it is the aftershocks that can be more frightful than the intial quake, as buildings and structures are unstable from the primary quake. There is no unique time frame that earthquakes will strike; they happen any time and in more places than most realize.

Helpful tips to Earthquake Preparedness

1. Have a plan where you and your family will meet if you are not altogether when an earthquake strikes. You need to consider at least two different meeting areas. If this happens...then you will meet... If this occurs instead, you will meet...
2. Keep a phone charger in your car.
3. Have a map of your area for alternative escape routes. It best to take time beforehand to investigate alternative routes.
4. Have a tote on wheels or a large trash bin on wheels that has basics, water, food, blankets and cash stashed inside - enough for at least three days.
5. Keep water in the trunk of your vehicle. It may be a nuisance but it will keep you from going thristy.
6. Always keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle.
7. Keep a first aid kit in your home and vehicle.
8. If you have need of prescriptions, always carry at least a one week supply on your person.