Preparation, Response, and Recovery: Navigating Earthquakes with a Comprehensive Plan

BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

It is crucial to prepare for an earthquake by understanding how to manage before, during and after such a natural disaster. We divide earthquakes into three key phases: preparation before, reaction during and recovery after. Let's dive in on each stage.

Before

Developing a family earthquake plan is the first step in preparing yourself and your household. This involves:

1. Family Reunification Plan: Decide how you'll reunite with your family should they become separated during an earthquake.

2. Contact List: Establish communication strategies using a designated out-of-area fri or relative that can be contacted by family members after the event to share their location and status.

Safe Spaces Identification:

• Identify safe spots in each room of your home like sturdy tables, desks under stable walls away from windows, mirrors, fireplaces, and heavy furniture.

• Conduct practice drills so everyone knows where these safe zones are. Physically place yourself within them during real exercises.

Emergency Skills:

• Learn basic first d and CPR through local organizations such as the American Red Cross or community groups.

• Keep a list of emergency contacts handy and learn how to safely turn off gas, water, and electricity in case they get damaged due to an earthquake.

Safety Checks:

• Secure heavy items like furniture, hanging plants, and tall pieces that can fall or shift during shakes.

• Keep flammable liquids at lower shelves and ensure your home is free of spills that could lead to fires.

Emergency Supplies:

• Mntn enough emergency food, water supplies, and other essentials including a flashlight, portable battery radio, extra batteries, medications, first d kits, clothing, etc.

Building Inspections:

• Regularly check if your home or business needs structural reinforcement based on local guidelines.

Trning:

Participate in community drills and trnings to be familiar with evacuation routes and procedures.

Community Involvement:

Engage with neighbors and the local community. Consider forming a group to share resources and provide mutual support during recovery efforts.

Aftershocks Preparedness:

Learn about how aftershocks can occur post-earthquake and prepare accordingly by securing loose items that might become hazards.

Emergency Contact List:

Keep copies of emergency numbers handy, including those for local fire, police departments, hospitals, and disaster management services.

Contact Information

John Harty

Assistant Coordinator, Emergency Services Disaster Agency

CJ Beyersdorfer

Coordinator Police Captn, Emergency Services Disaster Agency

For more information or to register for a program:

10025 Bunkum Road

Frview Heights, IL 62208

Call us at:

Phone: 618-489-2000

Fax: 618-489-2099

Visit our hours of operation:

Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM

FAQs

• Registering for Programs or Reserving Pavilion: Please see the section titled Contact Information above which provides all detls on how to register.

• Reservations for Facilities: Yes, residents enjoy priority over non-residents when reserving facilities like pavilions and community centers. Check with our reservations department for specific requirements and policies.

• Volunteering for Special Events: Get in touch with the Parks and Recreation Department's volunteer coordinator for opportunities to contribute at special events or on projects that align with your skills and interests.

Online Payments: We offer secure online payment options for various services. Please check out our website under ONLINE PAYMENTS section for detls.

Notify Me: Stay updated on upcoming meetings, announcements, and other important notifications by signing up for our Notify Me service through the CivicPlus platform linked within our site.

CODERED Alerts: Receive emergency alerts through our CODERED system. Follow in your notification to ensure you receive these updates during critical situations.

Meeting Agas Minutes: Check out the AGAS MINUTES section on our site for access to past meetings' agas and detled minutes of proceedings.
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