The 16th Anniversary of Loma Prieta Earthquake Is October 17
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 p.m.,
the earth was shaken for 15 seconds by a 7.1 earthquake. The Loma Prieta
earthquake destroyed homes, buildings, and freeways and disrupted lives
throughout the greater bay area.
Since that day 16 years ago, Pacific Gas and Electric Company has
reinforced its messages to customers about the importance of being prepared
for an earthquake or other natural disaster. The October PG&E bill envelope
contains important emergency preparedness tips to help PG&E's customers
understand gas and electric safety and how to be prepared for the next
earthquake or emergency. Emergency preparedness is on everyone's mind because
of the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina.
"Hurricane Katrina has demonstrated to all of us how important it is to be
prepared for an emergency," said David Powell, Pacific Gas and Electric's
public safety program manager. "In California, earthquakes are a fact of life
and there is much we can do to prepare ourselves and our loved ones in advance
to deal effectively with the aftermath of a quake."
"We continue to work with our long-tine partner, PG&E, to help prepare our
communities and to make them safer places," said Harold Brooks, CEO of the Red
Cross Bay Area Chapter.
When an earthquake or other natural disaster occurs, everything we depend
on -- natural gas, electricity, water and emergency services -- may be
interrupted. As the anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake nears, PG&E
offers the following earthquake safety tips to protect your family and home
before, during and after an earthquake.
Before:
-- Prepare: Have an emergency plan ready and conduct an emergency drill
with your family. Make sure children, childcare providers and other family
members know your safety procedures. By planning and practicing what to do,
you can condition yourself and your family to react correctly when an
earthquake or other emergency occurs.
-- Stock-up: Have emergency supplies on hand such as a portable radio
with extra batteries, flashlights with fresh batteries, bottled water, a first
aid kit, blankets, food, alternative cooking fuel, a minimum two week supply
of needed medications, and extra pipe or crescent-type wrenches for turning
off gas and water mains if necessary.
-- Educate: Know how and when to turn off electricity, water and gas at
the main switch and valves. Securely anchor water heaters and other heavy
appliances. Secure tall heavy furniture that could topple. Always store
flammable liquids safely away from ignition sources like water heaters,
furnaces or stoves.
-- Anticipate: Know the safe spots in each room, like under a sturdy desk
or table. Remember to stay away from windows, mirrors, hanging objects and
fireplaces.
During:
-- If you are indoors, stay inside. Get under a sturdy desk or table.
-- If you are cooking in the kitchen, turn off the stove and other
appliances before you take cover.
-- If you are outdoors, get into the open away from buildings, trees,
walls and power lines. Be alert for falling debris!
-- If you are driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Do not park
under overpasses, power lines, light posts, trees or signs. Stay in your car
until the earthquake is over.
After:
-- Check for injuries and ensure that everyone is safe.
-- Check for damage. If you smell or hear escaping gas, open windows and
doors and get everyone outside. Find a phone away from the building and call
PG&E and the fire department immediately. If you are able to safely, shut off
the gas valve at the meter. Do not shut off the valve unless you smell or
hear gas escaping.
-- Once you shut-off the gas, DO NOT turn it back on. Contact PG&E or
another qualified professional to restore gas service to your home and check
for gas leaks.
-- If you suspect a gas leak, do not use electrical switches, appliances
or telephones, because sparks can ignite gas from broken lines. Do not check
for a gas leak with a match or an open flame.
-- If the power goes out, unplug major appliances to prevent possible
damage when the power is turned back on.
After a major quake, you may not have outside help for at least three
days. If you know how to respond during and after an earthquake you'll be
able to stay calmer. The best way to be ready is to be educated. Useful
emergency preparedness information can be found at the following websites:
The American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org), the California Office of Emergency
Services (http://www.oes.ca.gov), the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(http://www.fema.gov), and, of course, PG&E (http://www.pge.com/safety).
For more information about Pacific Gas and Electric Company and additional
safety tips, please visit our website at http://www.pge.com/safety
SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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CONTACT:
PG&E News Department, +1-415-973-5930
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