A. R. C.
Morongo Basin Chapter

Storing Water

If a disaster strikes in your area, you may be without water, food and electricity for many days, even weeks. If you are storing water, put it in thoroughly washed plastic, glass or enamel lined metal or fiberglass containers. The best kind are soft plastic soft drink bottles. Tightly seal containers, label and store in a cool dark place. Rotate every 6 months. Other sources of water outside the home may come from ponds, lakes, natural springs, rainwater, streams, rivers or any moving bodies of water. These need to be PURIFIED!

The safest way to purify water is to boil it. Bring water to a rolling boil. Boil three to five minutes, cool before drinking.

To disinfect, use liquid household bleach containing 5.25 % sodium hypochlorite. Don't use scented color safe of any other with added cleaners.

Food & Supplies

Before an earthquake hits, have on hand in your home, at minimum;

1. Portable radio with extra batteries.
2. Flashlight with extra batteries.
3. First aid supplies, including your prescription medications, an extra pair of glasses and a first aid book.
4. A-B-C type fire extinguisher.
5. Adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water.
6. Smoke detector properly installed.
7. Portable fire escape ladder for homes or apartments with multiple floors.
8. At least one gallon per person per day of bottled water.
9. Canned and processed food sufficient for a week for each member of your household.
NOTE: Both water and food should be rotated into normal meals to keep supplies fresh. Canned goods have a normal shelf life of one year for maximum freshness.
10. Non-electric can opener
11. Portable stove such as a butane or charcoal. NOTE: Do not use stoves until you are sure there is no gas leak nearby. Use charcoal outdoors only. Using charcoal indoors will cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
12. Matches.
13. Telephone numbers of police, fire, doctor.

What you should know how to do:

1. Turn off gas, water and electricity.
2. Give first aid. Call the Red Cross at 366-5330 for class information.
3. Reunite with your family.
4. Protect youself and stay safe.

During an earthquake and its aftershocks:

1. Duck, cover and hold on!
2. Inside: Take cover under a deck/table or against an inside wall, or stand in a doorway. Protect your body from items that could injure you. In bed, cover yourself with pillows and blankets.
3. Outside: move away from buildings, trees, billboards, telephone and electric lines.
4. In a car: Drive away from bridges, underpasses/overpasses; stop in a safe area; stay in vehicle until shaking stops.

After the shaking stops:

1. Check for injuries, provide first aid.
2. Check for safety - gas, water and sewage breaks; downed electric lines and shorts; turn off appropriate utilities; turn off gas only if you smell gas or hear gas escaping; check for building damage and potential safety problems such as cracks around chimney and foundation.
3. Check for fires and extinguish them or leave the building.
4. Wear sturdy shoes.
5. Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies.
6. Don't use the telephone except for life threatening emergencies.

Tell Them "You saw 'Their Web Page' on the Web at JoshuaTreeVillage.com."
Please direct web site issues to NJC@JoshuaTreeVillage.com .
Web page designed and maintained by Anne Marie Odeen
Site Disclaimer ©Copyright 1999. All rights reserved.