Preparedness Test

Think you don't live in an area that is at risk of having an earthquake? Think again! According to the Red Cross: "Forty-five states and territories in the United States are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes, and they are located in every region of the country." That is a pretty high percentage! How prepared are you in case of an emergency? Take this test to help give you an idea: 1. Has your family rehearsed fire escape routes from your home? yes/no 2. Does your family know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake or other emergency situation? yes/no 3. Do you have heavy objects (that can fall during an earthquake) hanging over beds? yes/no 4. Do you have access to an operational flashlight in every occupied bedroom? (use of candles is not recommended unless you are sure there is no leaking gas) yes/no 5. Do you keep shoes near your bed to protect your feet against broken glass? yes/no 6. If a water line is ruptured during an earthquake, do you know how to shut off the main water line to your house? yes/no 7. Can this water valve be turned off by hand-without the use of a tool? yes/no 8. Do you know where the main gas shut-off valve to your house is located? yes/no 9. If you smell gas, do you know how to-and have the tool-to shut it off? yes/no 10. Gas valves usually cannot be turned off by hand. Is there a tool near your valve? Yes/no 11. Would you be able to safely restart your furnace when gas is safely available? yes/no 12. Do you have working smoke alarms in the proper places? Yes/no 13. In case of minor fire, do you have a fire extinguisher that you know how to use? yes/no 14. Do you have duplicate keys and copies of important insurance and other papers stored outside your home? 15. Do you have a functional emergency radio to receive emergency information? yes/no 16. If your family had to evacuate your home, have you identified a meeting place? yes/no If an emergency lasted for three days (72-hours) before help was available to you and your family.... 17. Would you have sufficient food? yes/no 18. Would you have the means to cook food without either gas or electricity? yes/no 19. Would you have sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and sanitary needs? yes/no 20. Does each individual have access to a self-sustaining 72-hour evacuation kit? yes/no 21. Would you be able to carry or transport these items? yes/no 22. Have you established an out-of-state contact? yes/no 23. Do you have a first aid kit in your home and in each car? yes/no 24. Do you have work gloves and some tools for minor rescue and clean up? yes/no 25. Do you have emergency cash on hand? (preferably in small bills-see previous post) yes/no 26. Without electricity and gas, do you have a way to heat at least part of your home? yes/no 27. If you need medications, do you have a month's supply on hand? (see previous post) yes/no 28. Do you have a plan for toilet facilities if there is an extended water shortage? yes/no 29. Do you have a supply of food, clothing, and appropriate fuel for cooking and heating? For 3 weeks? For 3 months? For a year? yes/no How did you do on this test? I'm afraid I have a lot of work to do. I plan on tackling one item at a time!