BE PREPARED:

The Olympian
Olympia, Washington

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Earthquake Commemorative Section

BE PREPARED

THE OLYMPIAN STAFF

Thurston County Emergency Management officials urge residents with any concerns about a building's stability after an earthquake or other disaster to seek help.

- Residents in unincorporated Thurston County can contact Development Services at 754-3360 to arrange for a building inspector to assess structural safety.

- Olympia residents should call the Olympia Planning Department at 753-8314.

- Lacey residents should call 412-9284.

- Tumwater residents should call 754-4120.

- Residents living on or near bluffs and shorelines should closely inspect their property for signs of unstable or shifting soil.

To report damage

Residents of unincorporated Thurston County are encouraged to report property damage to the county's Emergency Management Division at 754-3360. Residents of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater should call their respective cities to report damage.

Checklist

Residents should check furnaces and hot water heaters for natural gas leaks. If the odor of gas is present, turn off the gas intake valve. Call your utility company for assistance with repairs and relighting pilot lights. Residents who lose power are advised to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food from spoiling.

At home

Tips for before, during and after an earthquake from the Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division: - If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, open a window and leave the building. Shut off the main gas valve outside. - If water pipes are damaged, shut off the water supply at the main valve. - Check your home and chimneys for structural damage. If doors and windows are suddenly sticking, it's a sign that parts of your home have shifted. Have a professional assess the damage. - Visually inspect utility lines and appliances for damage.

Utilities

In case of emergency, here's how to shut off your gas, water and electricity: - The switch for water is usually outside by the street. There are special wrenches used to turn it off, but a crescent wrench will get the job done. After picking up the lid, there will be a switch or dial at the top of the valve. It should be in line with the pipe that it's on. Turn the switch perpendicular to the pipe to turn it off. - Gas is basically the same, but it's best to consult with your gas company before turning it off. - Electricity can be turned off at the circuit breaker in your home.

To be prepared

Items to have on hand before the next earthquake. - Flashlights. - Emergency drinking water. - Crescent wrench to shut off gas. - Heavy-duty gloves to clean up broken glass. - AM/FM radio.

The Earthquake Supply Center also sells various survival kits. The four-person family survival kit contains the following:

- 1 storage box;

- 1 deluxe first aid kit;

- 4 AquaBlox Water three-packs;

- 2 3,600 calorie food bars;

- 1 multi-function pocket knife;

- 4 12-hour light sticks;

- 2 tube tent shelters;

- 4 emergency thermal blankets;

- 1 Dynalite Flashlight (no batteries needed);

- 2 signal whistles;

- 1 emergency fire tinder kit;