Haiti continues to occupy a tremendous amount of my energy, both consciously and subconsciously. In fact, I think that most everyone that was on our early team is still processing this disaster. I'm still having some dreams and wrestling with what I saw. I'm processing it on a couple of different levels. First of all I'm still very concerned about the long term health issues in Haiti. They have a long, long way to go. I am confident, however, that progress is being made. I'm encouraged by some of the plans that I've been told about and I don't feel that it is a hopeless situation. It is just going to be a long term struggle.
The other way that I'm processing the experience involves us. I can't help but ask myself, "What if it happened here?" That is good discussion for us to have. We need to be ready both from a physical, structural and procedural basis. We also need to be ready from a psychological basis. That is one thing that very few people talk about and I will address it in a new blog series entitled "How to Become Unshakable in Tough Times".
For now, let's take a look at what you can do from a physical, structural and procedural perspective. There is the check list of things that we can do to be ready from that standpoint. Here is a list that I lifted from the FEMA earthquake website:
Take Protective Measures
Before an Earthquake
The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of an earthquake:
- Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility connections. Get appropriate professional help. Do not work with gas or electrical lines yourself.
- Bolt down and secure to the wall studs your water heater, refrigerator, furnace, and gas appliances. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong vibrations.
- Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture frames to walls. Brace high and top-heavy objects.
- Store bottled foods, glass, china, and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that fasten shut.
- Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.
- Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation.
- Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.
- Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.
- Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover, and hold on!
During an Earthquake
Minimize your movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
| If you are | Then: |
| Indoors | Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or bench or against an inside wall, and hold on. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture. Stay in bed - if you are there when the earthquake strikes - hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place. Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway. Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering into or exiting from buildings. Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on. DO NOT use the elevators. |
| Outdoors | Stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. |
| In a moving vehicle | Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and bridge damage. |
| Trapped under debris | Do not light a match.· Do not move about or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort - shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. |
After an Earthquake
- Be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.
- Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
- Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.
- Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.
Discussion
- What questions and concerns do you have about how you can get your family, business or just yourself ready for a major disaster?
- As I get ready to launch the new series, "How to Become Unshakable in Tough Times", what are some of your concerns that you would like me to address?
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The FEMA link is an excellent place to get preparedness information. Also, http://kitsapdem.org/ has documents from Red Cross, FEMA, and other agencies linked to their preparedness areas. I would encourage people to check out their local county office of Emergency Management for preparedness information that is tailored to the region you live in.
I think the best way to be "unshakable" in a disaster is to have a preparedness plan. Not just food and water for 3 days, put a pet plan, stuff for your kids to do ... and think 7 days rather than just 3. As we have seen in Katrina, Haiti and now in Chili, the hardest hit areas may be "on their own" for more than 3 days. Even if our homes are still standing, we will not have utility services and perhaps no ability to restock food and water.
I would love for you to address the mental trauma associated with experiencing the event and living in the aftermath. Very few people experience truly catastrophic events in their lifetime. It is difficult for us to fathom that "this could happen to me", rather than the people on the other end of the TV camera.
I'm looking forward to your series. Thanks.
I am thoroughly enjoying your blog entries and thank you so much for keeping us informed of your journey.
I am a Red Cross volunteer and I do a lot of speaking in the community about emergency preparedness, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. I also provide counseling for people who have experienced a disaster.
I would appreciate your comments on how older adults and people with disabilities can prepare for their special needs, such as having enough medications on hand, keeping a list of their meds, and what to do about their special medical equipment and oxygen.
Thank you for all you do. Your work is truly inspirational.
