What’s Shaking in April? Quake Preparedness Month

To better prepare the public for a major earthquake, the Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization has organized a 30-day awareness campaign for the month of April.

Earthquake Preparedness Month is a collaborative effort by Gov. George Deukmejian and the county Board of Supervisors to awaken the community to the need for quake preparation.

Throughout April, several of San Diego’s television and radio stations will broadcast information on awareness and preparedness. On April 15 at 10 a.m., two of the county’s primary emergency broadcast radio stations, KKLQ and KCBQ, will broadcast a message from the county’s emergency operations center in Kearny Mesa.

The message will instruct listeners to stop what they are doing and take cover. The purpose is to reinforce the use of the emergency broadcast system in the county.

The emergency services organization has scheduled events at various locations throughout the county to highlight earthquake preparation, and has prepared “The One-a-Day Earthquake Survival Guide,” which includes 30 tips on safety, preparedness and survival.

Some of the recommendations:

- Store a three- to seven-day supply of fresh water.

- Keep first aid kits in every car and home.

- Store three to seven days’ worth of non-perishable food.

- Keep a non-electric can opener and utensils. Camp stoves and barbecues are also useful.

- Know where the gas main is at your home and business and how to turn it off. After a quake, check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or if there is danger of a fire, turn off the gas at the main valve.

- If in a car when an earthquake occurs, remove your foot from the accelerator and slowly come to a stop away from bridges, underpasses and power lines. Remain inside the car and protect yourself against falling debris by loosening your seat belt, leaning sideways onto the passenger’s seat and covering your head with your arms.

- Keep a portable radio, flashlights and a seven-day supply of fresh batteries in the home and office.

For a schedule of events and further information, contact the Office of Disaster Preparedness at 565-3490.