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Maira,

The key is elevation more than distance from the surfline. If you are in a house at 80 feet, stay put. It would be a bummer to flee an 80 foot location for a 100 foot location but get caught by the tsunami on the way because you have to travel through low land to get there.

Now that you know that your house is in a relatively good spot, consider all of the other locations you visit when at the coast (beach, shops, restarants, golf courses, church, etc.) and scope out high-enough destinations that you can get to on foot in 15 minutes. 

PC

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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Valerie,

You ask good questions. With regard to kits, the American Red Cross has checklists that provide a wide range of things you can include. Kits in your home should probably not be kept in your basement. I think a kit in a small out building (garden shed) is a good idea. You seem to think that you will be home when this happens. That may not be the case. A kit in your car is also a good idea.

As far as where to protect yourself from quake damage, basically wherever you can. You may not have the ability to move around to where you want to go. Duck under something, cover your head from falling debris, and hold on until it's owner. Then move outside to an open area.

With regard to protecting your family, it's important to understand that the odds of you all being together is slim. (work, school, activities, etc) Therefore, you need to educate yourself to educate your kids, so they know to "duck, cover and hold" during an earthquake wherever they are. Also a good idea is to designate a non-local person that everyone is to call as soon as they can. (Grandma in Ohio, for example. Not portland, not Seattle not Eugene) That way, you can learn where people are as soon as possible.

Finally, make friends with your neigbors. You will need each other.

PC

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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MLM

Fires are to be expected shortly after the earthquake. There's not much to do about it other than expect it. If you live on a steep hillside, and it is alarge quake, your house will likely slide before it catches on fire. Remember also, that the odds of you being at home are less than 100 percent.

PC 

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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