Dear Magee Families,
Magee Families will be participating in the Great California ShakeOut on Thursday, October 19th at approximately 10:19 am. Magee’s participation in this state-wide drill is an effort to heighten student and family awareness in the area of emergency preparedness with regard to earthquakes. Prior to the exercise, our teachers will engage students in age appropriate discussions pertaining to recommended responses once an earthquake occurs and safety measures and procedures to follow once the earthquake has stopped. During the exercise, students will DROP, COVER and HOLD-ON and evacuate their classroom.
In conjunction with preparing students at school in the event of an earthquake, we recommend having these same discussions and exercises at home. We have provided some questions below, that when addressed, will help minimize the potential negative effects of an earthquake. We also encourage you to develop an evacuation plan and practice that plan as often as possible.
- What locations within your home would be the best places to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON? What places may be most hazardous due to falling debris or broken glass?
- Do you have an Earthquake Kit at home and/or in your car?
- How much drinkable water, food, and warm clothing do you keep on hand to sustain your family? (FEMA recommends a 72-hour supply for each family member)
- Does anyone in your family require necessary medications? If so, do you have those medications in an accessible place in the event of an evacuation?
- Do you know where the gas, electricity and water shut-offs are located in your home? If so, do you know how to shut-off the gas, electricity and water?
- Do you have working flashlights and hard shoes in your bedroom in the event an earthquake were to occur?
- If, during an evacuation, you are separated from your family, do you have a set meeting place?
- In the event of a major earthquake, have you considered “buddying up” with a neighbor for immediate relief and/or assistance?
For more detail on preparing for earthquakes please visit:
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1508-20490-1300/fema_b_526_eng_r1.txt