The Rave: All Shook Up

           
            Are you ready for the big one? The big earthquake predicted the for the Northwest that is.

            In a recent New Yorker article Kenneth Murphy, head of the FEMA division responsible for Cascadia stated that everything west of I-5 "is toast". This shocking statement has brought a largely unnoticed threat to public attention. The author's follow up article offers excellent information.  A recent audit confirms that we are woefully unprepared when it strikes. People don't think about or plan for disaster because it's human nature to believe nothing bad will happen. People who think this way will not survive an earthquake. I lived in San Francisco years ago and experienced several small quakes and trust me, even a little shaking is scary.

            The Eugene Fire department offers a free Community Emergency Response Team course (CERT) that teaches you what to expect and what to do in an emergency. Do research, the Red Cross and other services have information too, look them up.

            First, learn basic first aid and CPR. Have a three day supply of food, water and essentials on hand. Don't assume you can pick up a phone and call the fire department and they'll be there in a jiffy. They will be overwhelmed so it may take takes days for them to get to you.

            Get the whole family together and plan an evacuation route out of the house and where to meet up in case of separation. Your cell phone may not have local reception but you may be able to make a long distance call. Have family or a friend as an out of state contact for everyone.          
            I still have earthquake hazard rules left over from living in SF like not placing heavy objects on shelves that can fall on you. Secure bookshelves and the water heater to a wall. Have shoes next to the bed in case you have to exit quickly and not step on broken glass.

            It's  really, really important to take care of you and your family but it's equally important to help your neighbors. Despite the heartlessness of selfish survivors depicted in disaster movies, people can and do care for each other when things go wrong. Remember, you are most likely on your own after a fire, flood or earthquake.

            Even if you never face a major catastrophe, being prepared for more common crisis' like  a heart attack, a broken leg, a car accident or severe weather increases the chances of survival. If you are proactive and informed should disaster strike, you will be ready for anything.