Warden Messages
Earthquake in Sofia
November 18, 2008
A relatively minor earthquake and aftershocks occurred in the Sofia metro area on November 15-16. There were no reported injuries or damage. The U.S. Embassy would like to remind you that the best strategy for dealing with emergencies always centers on preparedness. Now is a perfect time to review your plans and resources for dealing with an earthquake, and to refer to the links below for more information on how to prepare for a natural disaster or other unforeseen emergency.
Americans traveling or residing abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs web site www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. Americans living or traveling in Bulgaria are also encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bulgaria.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 16, Kozyak St., Sofia1407; tel.: (+359 2) 937-5100; fax (+359 2) 937-5209; web site: http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov
We provide below useful hints and information on emergency preparedness.
Creating a Disaster Supplies Kit or a “Go Kit”
“Go Kits” are meant to be grabbed quickly in case of little to no-notice events such as emergency evacuations, prolonged utility outages, and events such as hurricanes and severe weather that may require individuals or families to Shelter-In-Place. The following lists are provided as guidance for building your own Go-Kit.
We recommend that you add to your kit(s) as necessary to meet the needs of you and your family.
For the Office:
• Change of Comfortable Clothes
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bottled Water
• Food
• Emergency Blanket
• First Aid Kit
• Medicines/Medications
• Flashlight/lightsticks
• Dust mask
• Battery-powered Radio
• Extra Batteries
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Cleansing Wipes
• Deodorant
• Other Hygiene Items
• Entertainment (paperback, deck of cards, game boy)
• Whistle to signal for help
Your Vehicle: “Go Kit”
• Hard hat
• Leather gloves
• Disposable Dust Masks
• Extra Set of House/Car Keys
• Important Papers/Documents in waterproof container)
• Non-perishable Food (raisins, trail mix, nuts, energy bars)
• Bottled Water – one-gallon per number of passengers
• Basic First Aid Kit
• Medicine/Medications
• Flares
• Duct Tape
• Heavy Work Gloves
• Fire Extinguisher
• Battery-Powered Radio
• Compass and Maps
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Blanket(s) or Sleeping Bag(s)
• Rope (nylon or clothesline) – at least 50-feet
• Extra Clothing/Walking Shoes
• Lip Balm, Hand Lotion and Sunscreen
• Plastic Bags (zip-lock and grocery store)
• Toilet/Facial Tissue
• Poncho
• Waterproof Matches/Lighter
• Hand Warmers
• Cash/Assorted Change
For the Home:
Store the following items in an easy-to-access place in your home:
• Hard hat
• For Hot Food: a can of sterno &
lightweight cooking pans (plus salt, pepper, and sugar)
• 1 gallon of water/day/person
• Medicine/Medications
• Disposable Dust Masks
• Emergency Food
• Emergency Blanket
• Small First Aid Kit
• Leather Gloves
• Flashlight
• Extra Batteries
• Extra Set of House/Car Keys
• Important Papers/Documents (in waterproof container)
• Whistle
• Battery-Powered Radio
• Paper cups, plastic utensils, matches, non-electric can opener,
and aluminum foil
• Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, juices, milk, and soup; packaged snacks (a variety)
• Foods for people w/special diets
Vitamins & prescription drugs
• Toilet paper, antibacterial hand wipes, soap, chlorine bleach, disinfectant, & paper towels
• Personal hygiene items
• Extra pair of eyeglasses
• Large plastic trash bags & large covered trash can
• Change of clothing, rain wear, sturdy shoes, hat, gloves, thermal wear
• Cell phone and charger
• Books and games
• Special items for elderly, infants
• Cookies, candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, and tea bags (these are comfort foods)
Where You Can Go For More Information:
Red Cross Helping Children Cope with Disaster
Red Cross Shelter in Place Factsheet
Red Cross Emergency Kit
Go Kits – Additional Items
Are you ready for an earthquake?
Food and Water in an Emergency
www.ready.gov - U.S. Department of Homeland Security
www.redcross.org - American Red Cross
www.fema.gov - Federal Emergency Management Agency
www.aspca.org - Emergency Pet Preparedness - ASPCA