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1.0 First Aid' and 0 SurvivatGuide a :Bell 199 1. llquake: -ganizing Your. I iborhood r quake: _f ... g is Organizing Your Neighborhood It may take up to 72 hours or longer for emergency assistance to reach you after a major earthquake. You and your neighbors will have to depend upon one another to cope with the damage and injuries until help arrives. Just like your family, your neighbors will be better able to cope with the aftermath of an earthquake or any disaster if everyone is prepared. Some communities with an existing program to watch out for the property and welfare of other residents, such as "Neighborhood Watch," should include earthquake preparedness as part of their program. ORGANIZE NOWT Use the following checklist to organize a self-help group. To generate enthusiasm for such an activity, try passing out newspaper clippings along with the questionnaire right after a recent earthquake. 1. Schedule a meeting of your neighbors to discuss earthquake preparedness. Your Office of Emergency Services, American Red Cross chapter, or fire department can help with speakers, films and printed materials.'You should include your building manager and landlord if applicable. 2. Distribute the questionnaire in person before the meeting. It should ask the following: a. Number of residents per household. b. Home phone number. c. Work address and phone number. d. Name, address and phone number of school(s). e. Phone number of relatives and out -of -area contact. f. Special skills, such as nursing or radio operation that could be helpful in an emergency. 3. At the meeting, assign emergency tasks to each person. Assign enough work to maintain interest but not enough to discourage volunteers. Try matching assignments with special skills. The Medical Officer should have professional skills or first aid training. Radio amateurs could handle communications. Plumbers and electricians could help restore utility service. 4. These same suggestions apply to the workplace. If your employer hasn't mentioned earthquake plans, ask what arrangements have been made. • Earthquake During an Earthquake 1. If you are indoors, DUCK or drop down to the floor. Take COYER under a sturdy desk, table or other • furniture. HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances. Don't rush outside. You may be injured by falling glass or building parts. DO NOT try using the stairs or elevators while the building is shaking or while there is danger of being hit by falling glass or debris. 2. If you are outside, get into the OPEN, away from buildings and power lines. 3. If you are driving—STOP if it is safe—but stay inside. DO NOT stop on or under a bridge, overpass or tunnel. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. DO NOT stop under trees, lightposts, electrical power lines or signs. 4. If you are in a mountainous area, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the quake. 5. In a crowded public place, do NOT rush for the exits. Stay calm and encourage others to do so.