Post 22 Earthquake Preparedness Tip - Driving and there is an Earthquake - What do you do?

Earthquake Preparedness! 

Jackie Kloosterboer – Earthquake Preparedness Specialist, Speaker, Trainer 

Author – My Earthquake Preparedness Guide 

Earthquake Tip – Driving and there is an Earthquake - What to do!!!

We don't often think about being in our car facing an earthquake - but what would you do if caught in that situation - would you even know there had been an earthquake - would you feel the shaking as your are driving?

The simple answer – it depends. If it was a small earthquake, less than a 3 magnitude earthquake you would likely not even know it had occurred. If the Earthquake was a higher magnitude then you might feel it and often people who have been in their vehicles during a significant earthquake say it feels like your car has 4 flat tires.

So its important for you and your family to remember– if you are driving and you feel like you have 4 flat tires it may be an earthquake.  This now leads to an important question – What do you do?

What do you do when driving and there is an Earthquake

At home or work we Drop, Cover and Hold On, but when driving pull over to the side of the road when safe to do so, turn off your car’s engine and put your hand break on. Try not to park under bridges or overpasses, power lines or any other hazard that could impact you and your car.   

Even if the road you are driving on looks fine - listen to the news reports on your car radio. You don't know what lies ahead. Roads and bridges may be impacted and you could be putting yourself, your family and pets in danger. Once you know what lies ahead you can then decide how to proceed.

If you must get out of your car take a look around. If you see downed power lines DO NOT get out of your car – wait for assistance - you could be putting yourself in greater danger.  Check with your local Hydro company on what to do around downed power lines. It could save your life!

DO NOT drive on flooded roads -
You could be putting you and your
family in danger

If it is safe to drive on - go cautiously.  With an earthquake there is always the chance of aftershocks which could cause more damage.  As you are driving watch for large cracks in the road - if you see cracks  best not to drive through them as you could become stuck.   If the road is flooded DO NOT drive through the flood water.  You don't know what is in the water. |If you are in an area where you could be affected by a Tsunami get to higher ground to protect yourself and family. 

It is a great idea to keep an Emergency Kit in your car with basic supplies you, your family and pets may need in the aftermath.  You could be stuck for a period of time depending on your situation. A few bottles of water and a few granola would be a welcome site.      

Visit my website  and you can order your Car Grab and Go Kits or Emergency Kits or you can print a list of items to put a Car Kit together for yourself. Whatever way works best for you - just make sure you have the supplies you, your family and pets may need during an earthquake! 

As always – be prepared – not scared.

Jackie Kloosterboer

Watch my video on What to do if you are in your during an Earthquake!

https://youtu.be/NkrQG1fRvqE

Have questions – don’t hesitate to ask. Until next time – Stay safe and make sure you, your family and pets are prepared for earthquakes or any disaster that may come your way.

As Always BE PREPARED - NOT SCARED!

     

Jackie Kloosterboer - BIO

Jackie has been leading the way in earthquake preparedness for 2 decades presenting more than 100 Earthquake Preparedness sessions each year to a variety of groups and businesses. She is often interviewed by a variety of media outlets across Canada as she promotes the importance of earthquake and disaster preparedness.

As an Emergency Preparedness Specialist and an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC Jackie travels across Canada teaching people how to respond to disasters to help those who have been displaced. Throughout British Columbia Jackie has taken on leadership roles assisting those who have been impacted by disaster.

Contact Jackie to speak at your next group or business event to help better prepare you, your family, your staff and pets for earthquakes or whatever disaster comes your way. Jackie will lead you through the necessary steps helping you identify what is important to you and your family or business.  

Contact Jackie with questions or to book her for your next event at jackie@survive-it.ca or call (604) 355-2414

Jackie is available for:

• Earthquake Preparedness Presentations
• Preparedness Plans
• In-Home Walk-Throughs
• Preparedness Kits
• Media Interviews