Pacifica Institute partnered with American Red Cross of Orange County in hosting a talk on Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness. Red Cross representative Lance Charnes, who is also the Emergency Services Coordinator for Buena Park, explained how preparedness not only builds confidence, it also saves lives. Not only is the American Red Cross the number one provider of blood, it also provides disaster response, hosts community awareness events, provides service to the armed forces, and CPR and first aid training. Mr. Charnes asked the audience: why should we prepare? We prepare in order to keep disasters from becoming catastrophes. A disaster occurs when needs exceed available resources. A catastrophe occurs when that gap is so wide, there’s no recovery, no way to come back from it.
In Southern California we are vulnerable to a number of hazards, from house fires to landslides to tsunamis, and even the occasional tornado. Mr. Charnes discussed the Watch, Warning, and Evacuation System, stressing that when a risk level reaches evacuation, they are serious about evacuating. Most deaths that occur during hurricanes and wildfires are caused when people don’t leave during an evacuation.
Mr. Charnes discussed three important steps in disaster preparedness: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed. Kits should include supplies for three to five days (ideally seven to ten), including important documents, personal items, sturdy shoes, and water. Evacuation plans should be communicated and practiced one to two times a year. Have an out-of-state contact and register at www.safeandwell.org to inform others of your well-being. And stay informed through your local governmental websites and resources.
Mr. Charnes turned the focus to earthquakes, because “shift happens.” We are currently due in California for “the Big One.” Major earthquakes occur about once a generation. They are unpredictable, there is no earthquake season, and there is no earthquake weather. When an earthquake happens, remember to Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
Pacifica Institute would like to thank Lance Charnes, the American Red Cross of Orange County, and all of our audience members for attending. For more information on earthquake and disaster preparedness, please check out the following links:
www.alertoc.com – mass notification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed of emergencies
http://myhazards.calema.ca.gov/ – learn about natural hazards in your neighborhood www.safeandwell.org – after a disaster, letting your family and friends know that you are safe and well can bring your loved ones great peace of mind. This website is designed to help make that communication easier. www.redcross.org/ca/orange-county – for more information on how to prepare, stay informed, and to take training and certification courses.