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How to prepare for a major earthquake

Most San Diegans are unprepared, Red Cross says
Posted at 6:02 PM, Jun 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-10 22:09:52-04
San Diegans got a big reminder Friday that surviving an earthquake requires preparation, planning and practice.
 
But the American Red Cross says only seven percent of San Diegans are fully ready for a major disaster.
 
Cheryl Wolowsky is one of them. She got a rude awakening Friday when the 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Borrego Springs just after 1 a.m.
 
"Just felt the rumbling, a big bang, and then it tapered down from there," she said. 
 
Wolowsky later drove to the Red Cross offices in Kearny Mesa, where she volunteered to make disaster preparedness kits to be given away this weekend.
 
"It's a good idea to be prepared because we had to evacuate when the fires occurred in 2007, and so that was a good wake up call of what you need to have ready," she said. 
 
The Red Cross says kits should start with the following items: A glowstick or flashlight, a whistle, emergency poncho, first-aid kit, toiletries, drinking water, a mylar blanket and a battery powered radio.
 
People should also stock up on nonperishable foods like granola bars, trail mix, and canned tuna. Also, buy three gallons of water for each family member, to assume three days of isolation.
 
"Because the store may not be open, there may be challenges in the employees getting to the store, I'm not sure what their emergency plans are," said Andrea Alfosni, of the Red Cross.
 
Wolosky says the kits are versatile.
 
"Fire, earthquake, whatever," as long as they're within reach.
 
Here are are some links to more preparedness information: