Home ยป Kids
Kids
Earthquake Safety: A Ten Step Plan
By Alan Haskvitz
With the recent Great Southern California Shake Out earthquake drill planned to sharpen the reflexes of the area's first responders and the fact that a geologists believe a major tremor is overdue, implementing a ten-step readiness program in case of such a disaster is a family must.
First, be proactive. Prepare your house for an earthquake. Insure televisions and bookcases and other heavy freestanding items are secured to studs in the walls. You might even get a contractor to look into bolting your house to the foundation and having the water heater strapped to the wall studs.
Secondly, have your family quake ready. Have them practice drop, cover, and hold positions under sturdy objects or an interior wall away from windows and unsecured objects. Instruct them on how to protect their eyes by holding them against their arms. Everyone should know how to use a fire extinguisher as well and how to use first aid kits.
Third, have disaster supplies handy. The kit should include at least one gallon of water per person and pet per day with a minimum of three days supply suggested. The same for food and remember to refresh your provisions at least once a year. Water purification tables are a must and canned food should be less then a year old. Have clean comforters, and towels, and gloves as well. Medication and cash should also be stored in a safe area. The effects of a quake can cut off electricity, gas, and water for days and phones might cease to function or be overloaded. Having a portable radio with preset buttons to emergency stations is vital. The new LED flashlights and lanterns use less energy and provide a brighter light. Paper towels, toilet paper, hand sterilizer, umbrellas, and baby wipes are essential. Tools to shut off gas and water, an empty plastic bucket and a small shovel should also be considered. You should consider having an emergency kit at work, in the car, and at home. Keeping these items in a backpack or large gym bag makes them easier to handle.
Fourth, have a plan on how to get your family together if the quake hits when you are at work or the children are at school. During an earthquake even getting home can be a challenge as underpasses and bridges could have collapsed. Vehicles in parking lots literally "dance" during an earthquake ma-king getting to your car impossible. You should take a look at the routes you travel daily and note possible obstructions and how to avoid them. Remember that schools will not release your child to anyone not on your approved list.
Fifth, plan how to respond after the quake. Having a shoes and clothing next to a bed is recommended and even consider a whistle on a night stand. Those with special needs such as children need extra consideration. Having a variety of reading materials and board games are a good idea. Checking and turning off utilities is advisable as a gas leak can cause an explosions, but don't turn off the gas unless you smell it.
Sixth, keep copies of all important papers, including your insurance policies, in a secure location with your supplies as well as pictures of your home inside and out for use in filing claims.
Seventh, in the days after the quake there are usually aftershocks so staying around an unsafe structure must be avoided and force you to evacuate. Make certain that you tell a neighbor where you are going and also a contact not in the impacted area as well. You should take all your emergency stores such as sleeping pads, clothing, towels, and personal papers with you.
Eighth, have a plan for your pets. A container with their food and water as well as a leash and copies of medical records would be helpful. Having an implanted tag is best, as shelters usually don't allow pets and they could become lost.
Ninth, don't panic. Listen to the radio to find out the latest information for safety information and Red Cross sites. Make certain that the phones are all in their cradles if possible and check on your neighbors. Don't stay on the phone for long periods of time, but make sure that your outside contact knows where you are and your condition. Use the food in your refrigerator first. It could last a couple of days if you keep the door closed as much as possible. The water in the ice trays should be saved.
Tenth, contact your insurance carriers to start the claims process and the federal emergency people if there is a need for additional assistance. And finally, replace your earthquake supplies.
A final reminder that if you live in a mobile home that does not have an earthquake resistant bracing system look into having this done soon as without them the shaking could move the structure off of the supporting blocks.
Where to Look Should You Need a Babysitter
By Staff Writer
Are you someone who has those last minute meetings that you simply cannot miss? If your job requires you to be on call at all hours, you might be someone who is goes into "need a babysitter" mode often. Finding a babysitter at the last minute is not an easy task. No matter how many people you have on your potential childcare list, there might come a time when you have no one else to call. Ideally, this situation will never happen to you, but here are a few suggestions so that you can avoid a last minute panic.
1) Try everyone on your list first. If they are not available, ask them to suggest someone they know. Referrals from people you trust are always better than hiring a complete stranger. Even ask neighbors with whom you have a good relationship but you do not usually try to bother. If your meeting will only be an hour or two long, most people are very understanding and are willing to help.
2) Sign up for a babysitting services on the internet. Several professionally managed babysitting sites are available for both parents and individuals interested in sitting. Depending on the site you sign up for, you will have access to many different features. The sites do everything from providing a forum for parents to discuss the different sitters to having on online program that trains babysitters on the basics of childcare. On their profiles, sitters will usually list if they are available on short notice and provide a few references. If you need to find someone quickly, simply search for sitters in your area and call up one or two of their references. Read other parents comments. If everything checks out, then call her and see if she can help.
3) Suggest a daycare at work. If your last minute meetings always have you running into the office or to the hospital, odds are that your co-workers find themselves in a similar situation. When they need a babysitter at the last minute, it is very likely that they run into the same trouble that you do when these commitments spring up. A daycare is not expensive to run and everyone will be very appreciative. It would also be very comforting to know that your children are just down the hall!