Earthquakes and other Disasters

Earthquake Preparation

  • Chimney removal and flash roof.
  • Water shut off valve where you can find it.
  • Gas Shut off valve where you can turn it off before the leaking gas catches fire.
  • Auto shut off valve for gas if the pipe breaks. Not commonly done but its an option.
  • Hot water cylinder secured to wall.
  • Have you got a sheet of polythene for collecting water. And you dont need to boil the water either. Works at night too when its not raining catching dew.
  • A primus so you can boil the water, and water proof matches or a lighter.
  • Water containers?
  • Do you know how to get the water from your hot water cylinder?
  • Big container for water. And yes we can install large tanks to catch rainwater. In Christchurh weeks out from the quake a large proportion is still with out water.
  • Have you got your next door neighbours cell phone number.
  • A hammer and crow bar will be really handy.  And so will a spanner, polygrips, hacksaw and multi screw driver. These tools will get you out of most situations.

Chimney falls through roof - better to remove it before it does.