Suppose we had a disaster and no one came ...

To our rescue?

To work?

2

How Bad Could It Be?

3

The Loma Prieta EarthquakeMagnitude 7.1

In 15 seconds ...

• $7 billion property damage

• Displaced 12,000 people

• Destroyed 500 homes

• Damaged 18,000 others

4

The Loma Prieta EarthquakeMagnitude 7.1

In 15 seconds ...

• Damaged 2,600 businesses

• Destroyed 100 public buildings / businesses

• Injured 3,700

• Killed 62 people

• The Pacific plate moved 6.2” NW and 4.3” upward over the North American plate

The Nisqually Earthquake February 28, 2001

We ain’t seen nothing yet!

6

Why Don’t People Prepare?

• No time, put it off, procrastinate

• Too busy, too lazy

• Don’t know what to do

• It won’t happen

• Not really important

• Costs too much

• The government will take care of me

7

Denial -- Four Stages

• STAGE ONE It won’t happen around here

8

Denial -- Four Stages

• STAGE ONE It won’t happen around here

• STAGE TWO If it happens around here, it won’t be that bad

9

Denial -- Four Stages

• STAGE ONE It won’t happen around here

• STAGE TWO If it happens around here, it won’t be that bad

• STAGE THREE If it’s that bad, it won’t happen to me

10

Denial -- Four Stages

• STAGE ONE It won’t happen around here

• STAGE TWO If it happens around here, it won’t be that bad

• STAGE THREE If it’s that bad, it won’t happen to me

• STAGE FOUR If it happens to me, it will be so bad I’ll be dead anyway, so why prepare!

The Good News

You will survive!

The Bad News

You will survive!

The Bottom Line

How well you do after a disaster depends on what you did before

14

What Can I Do to Prepare?

• Know What to Expect -- it’s not just earthquakes

• Know What to Do -- where and when

• Make a Plan -- for yourself and your family

• Make a Kit -- for home, work and vehicle

15

Know What to ExpectNatural Disasters

• Wind storms

• Floods

• Extreme heat or cold

• Landslides

• Volcanic Eruptions

• Earthquakes

16

Know What To ExpectTechnological Disasters

• Power outages

• Riots

• Fires

• Hazardous materials spill

• Nuclear release or explosion

• Worker strike

17

What Could It Be Like?

• No utilities -- electricity, natural gas, water (and no cable TV!!!)

• No telephones

• Roads blocked

• No public transportation

• No banking services (ATMs need power)

18

What Could It Be Like?

• No gasoline (gas pumps need power)

• Restaurants, motels, grocery stores unable to open (long lines if they can)

• Price gouging (if commodities are available)

19

Where Will Your Family Be?

• Together at home

• Together, but away from home

• Separated -- parents at work, kids at school

• “Stuck” somewhere -- on the highway, at the mall, in a doctor’s office, at a restaurant

You must be self-sufficient, wherever you are located

for at least three days.

21

Know What to DoWhen the Shaking Begins

• Drop, cover and hold on. Stay away from windows. If inside, stay inside.

• If in bed, stay in bed. Protect head.

• If outdoors, drop to the ground. Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines.

• If in a vehicle, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the vehicle.

22

Know What to DoAfter the Shaking Stops

• Check yourself for injuries. Put on sturdy shoes and work gloves.

• Check others for injuries. Give first aid.

• Look for and extinguish small fires.

• Eliminate fire hazards.

• Turn off the gas ONLY if you smell it or hear it.

23

Know What to DoAfter the Shaking Stops

• Listen to the radio for instructions

• Expect aftershocks. Take cover each time you feel one.

• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if home is unsafe.

• Stay off the phone unless it is an emergency.

24

Make a Family Plan

• Talk about what could happen.

• Discuss escape and evacuation plans and care of pets.

• Find safe spots in your home.

• Teach and involve your children.

• Pick two places to meet - at home, away from home.

• Pick an out-of-area contact.

25

Put Your Plan into Action

• Learn first aid and CPR

• Learn how to turn off utilities

• Teach other family members

• Stock emergency supplies

• Install and maintain smoke detectors

• Safeguard important documents

• Check insurance coverage

26

Make a Disaster KitHome, Work, Vehicle

• Include everything you would need for a three-day wilderness trip

• Purchase or assemble

• Customize, customize, customize!

• Include medications and other special needs

• Main kit at home, mini kits for work and car

• Pets are family too!

27

What to Include

• Gourmet cuisine?

• Water -- 1 gallon, per person, per day

• Warm clothing

• Sleeping bags/blankets

• First Aid kit

• Emergency tools -- wrench, crowbar

28

What to Include

• Radio / batteries

• Flashlights / batteries

• TP and Hefty bags

• Medications, special needs

• Money

• Corded phone

Personal Preparedness

It’s up to you