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August 24, 2008 Being prepared is a good idea - no matter where you live
We went on vacation last month to visit our daughter in California. She lives just outside Los Angeles, and the weather is sunny and bright all year round. We did lots of sightseeing and had a lovely visit.
On the third day of the trip, my husband Ken and I were getting ready to go out for lunch when all of a sudden the apartment started shaking. I was surprised by the noise – my first thought was that a big truck was rumbling past or that there was a low flying helicopter – but the up and down shaking of the floor quickly registered with me. I still don’t know if the noise was from the ground or the building moving.
I yelled, “Earthquake!” Ken’s response was “Doorway! Doorway!”, and mine was, “Outside! Outside!” We ran outside and caught a glimpse of the swimming pool as we ran by – the water was sloshing from side to side. Car alarms and sirens were going off, and many neighbors joined us in front of the building. One of the neighbors called up to an elderly woman on the second floor to ask if she was OK – she was fine.
The earthquake only lasted 30 seconds or so, and we were far enough away from the epicenter - about 30 miles - that there wasn’t any significant damage in the immediate area. There were aftershocks, but we didn’t really feel them.
Since there has not been a significant earthquake in urban southern California since 1994, it took most people unawares and unprepared. The local news reviewed over and over again what people should do in the event of an earthquake, and standing in a doorway or running outside barefoot is not the best plan. They recommended “Drop, Cover, and Hold On!” – drop to the floor, cover your head, get under a sturdy table or desk and hold on. They recommended having an earthquake emergency kit on hand at home, in the car, and at work, including food and water for 3 days.
The need for emergency preparedness – either for a man made or natural disaster - is not unique to California and is just as important here in the Midwest where extreme weather - snow storms, floods, tornadoes – poses the most likely threat. And for those with special needs, such as people with disabilities or frail elders, preparation and survival can present special challenges.
Emergency readiness recommendations offered by the Administration on Aging for older adults and caregivers take a three-step approach – know the basics, have emergency supplies ready, and make a personal plan. There is good information including checklists on the website www.AgingInStride.org.
Basic information recommended includes knowing how to shut off residential gas and electricity, and making a plan about how to keep in touch with family, friends, and neighbors. The American Red Cross at www.redcross.org also has checklists, and advises there are six basics to stock at home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.
Personalize your own emergency plan by thinking through special needs. For instance, homebound people in Berrien County who receive home delivered meals and other in-home services can register with the Berrien County Emergency Management Department. And each year, folks living near the Cook Nuclear Plant with hearing, sight, or other disabilities are encouraged to send in a special needs card. In the event of an emergency, they’ll know where to find you.
Call the Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Info-Line at 800-654-2810 and we can send you more specific information about emergency preparedness.
I always wondered what an earthquake would feel like. Now I know. I’m just glad I live where “Drop, Cover, and Hold On!” isn’t part of my emergency plan.