With all thats been going on in Japan, it reminds how we in California could face the same situation should a catastrophic similar to Japan hit our region. As a witness to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake I remember the damage we survived in the Bay Area. Ever since that event, I've planned and prepared in case it happens again. Just like in parts of Japan, parts of the Bay Area after the '89 earthquake were isolated by the damage. Social and Emergency services like Police and Fire were overwhelmed by the amount of calls. I distinctly remember the power being down for a time. I recall on the first day traffic lights not working. Fortunately for us in San Jose, power and civil service was back within a few days. There were places like Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Oakland that were out for much longer. Even now, the major news networks are reporting a shortage of food and water in Japan. Japan's emergency crews are having difficulty reaching some areas hit by the quake and tsunami due to water damage.
The lesson to be learned about these type of events is to be prepared to deal with the aftermath. You should have at least a weeks worth of water, perishable food, battery powered radio/flashlights and/or portable generator to run electrical appliances like microwave, oven, etc. Obviously if there is a medical emergency, you should try to contact 911 asap. If emergency services are unable to respond, common sense dictates using your own transportation to get to the hospital. Being prepared for a major emergency can save a life including yours or a loved one. Don't wait until something happens. Be smart, be prepared.
Interested in books on preparing for an emergency? Check out this this
book or this
one.
Also including a link to the Red Cross to help the victim of Japan's earthquake
here.
jp
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