Red Cross has tips to be prepared in case of a large quake

March 11, 2010

With earthquakes going on across the globe, Alaskans, living in an earthquake zone, should always be prepared. (File/KTUU-DT)

by Maria Downey
Wednesday, March 10, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- There's been a whole lot of shaking going on, and for those of us in earthquake zones it's been a wakeup call.

The Red Cross and other emergency responders want to make sure Alaskans are prepared before disaster strikes.

Scenes like the ones out of Haiti can frighten just about anyone in an earthquake zone-- especially those who have seen it firsthand.

"I was mentally prepared in some respects, but… It was unlike anything I had experienced before," said Kelly Hurd with the American Red Cross of Alaska.

"It was just really difficult to see the amazing devastation," she said.

Hurd has been telling her story about her recent Red Cross mission to Haiti.

"We went to some spots where folks had literally hardly any belongings at all; they'd lost literally everything," she said.

"I was just amazed that that was a multi-story building and it's just reduced to absolutely nothing," Hurd said.

While emergency preparation and supplies may not have helped those who lost everything under the rubble, there are some tips Hurd is emphasizing for Alaskans.

"With all these recent disasters occurring in Haiti and Chile it's a great reminder for us as Alaskans that we need to be prepared as well," she says.

The Red Cross recommends at least 72 hours' worth of emergency supplies-- some responders recommend a week or even two weeks since response may be delayed to more remote areas.

She says Alaskans should have a family disaster plan for the worst-case scenario so families can fend for themselves.

"We encourage folks to make sure they have everything they need on hand for 72 hours to take care of their own needs and that would include food, water, medications, make sure that you have important documents in place such as your insurance policies," Hurd said.

Don't forget other members of the family-- your pets. Make sure you have enough food, medication and a portable kennel in case of evacuation.

"Evidence shows that people and families that are prepared in advance, their road to recovery is so much more quick than those that aren't prepared and haven't planned in advance," Hurd said.

The Red Cross offers preparation tips online and even appearances to community groups and businesses.

A few more tips for once the initial disaster is over:

Have extra cash on hand. Credit cards and other electronic means for paying don't work if the power is off.
Make sure you have fuel in all your cars. If you're already running low there might not be a way to get more gas for days.
Propane for the grill is a good way to cook if the power and gas are off.

Contact Maria Downey at mdowney@ktuu.com

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