Long Beach Fire Department Chief Dave Ellis yesterday posted an extensive column on the Department blog with helpful information about preparing for an earthquake and the proper steps to take once one has hit, as well as information about the inner workings of the LBFD’s efforts to keep residents safe. The post comes on the heels of a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Long Beach and the surrounding Southland on Tuesday.
The city of Long Beach website provides an informative list of precautions and tips, but the fire blog goes above and beyond, with enough well-organized information to keep even the most jittery residents at ease in a quake. Ellis also provides a slew of useful internet links with emergency information at the local, county, state and federal levels.
“How well you, your family and your home survive an earthquake often depends upon how well you prepare beforehand,” Ellis writes. “It is important to conduct earthquake preparedness training, with all family members, babysitters, and/or other household help, at least, every six months. The following checklist will help you get started.”
Before a Major Earthquake – Prepare & Plan
During an Earthquake
After a Major Earthquake
Emergency Preperadness Kits
The city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is designed to prepare and mobilize communities so that they can help each other in the event of an emergency. The CERT hotline is always available at (562) 570-2525.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor