EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Edwards AFB can make ground shaking improvements to aerospace, but that doesn’t stop the ground from shaking under us! Kern County has a 75% likelihood of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hitting our area at any given time. Are you ready for when the next big earthquake hits?
Things to do to prepare for an earthquake:
- Make a Family Communication Plan
- Determine an out of state contact
- Find a place to meet with your family if you’re separated
- Build A Kit
- Have an emergency kit with the basics you will need if you’re stuck in place for a few days
- Protect your Home
- Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves, refrigerators, TV’s, etc., to the walls
- Consider purchasing earthquake insurance- regular homeowners’ insurance may not cover damage from earthquakes
During an earthquake:
- DROP, COVER, HOLD ON!
- If you’re in a car, pull over, stop, and set your parking brake
- If you’re in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow
- If you’re outside stay away from buildings, power lines, trees, or anything that could fall on you
- If you’re inside, stay indoors and avoid doorways
After an earthquake:
- Aftershocks can follow, be cautious!
- If the building you’re in is damaged, exit and move away from the building
- If you are trapped, send a text, bang on a pipe or a wall, or use a whistle. Cover your mouth with a shirt for protection.
- Check to see if you or others are hurt, and provide first aid, if appropriate.
- Text messages may be more reliable than phone calls, send texts to an out of state contact who can let the rest of your loved ones know you are okay.
- When cleaning up after, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes, and wear a mask if cleaning mold or other dusty debris.
Join us at our second Annual Preparedness Fair to learn more about preparedness from agencies on and off base on Friday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Base Exchange parking lot!