Although today’s earthquake didn’t cause a huge amount of damage, I hope it at least woke people up to the fact that disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. Sadly, most people will probably take the lack of damage as another reason to become complacent.
But I think today’s quake should serve as a warning for a couple of reasons.
- Disasters can strike anywhere and at any time. If you’re still living under the illusion that bad things can’t happen near your home think again!
- Our communications infrastructure is crap. AT&T, Verizon and Sprint all experienced disruptions in service for about an hour after the quake. The disruptions were caused because the systems are not built to deal with major emergencies. If the cell companies couldn’t handle a small earthquake what do you think would happen during a major disaster? The system was so overwhelmed that the Department of Homeland Security was warning people to not call into the area; they sent a message out on twitter that read “tell friends/family you are OK via text, email and social media.”
What can you do to prepare?
- Stock up on the necessities – Start stocking up on the basics. Check out our list of foods to start stockpiling and our water storage article.
- Put together an evacuation plan.
- Prepare your vehicle in case you have to leave.
- Put together a Bug Out Bag or 72 Hour kit.
- Having a plan of action is critical during any emergency situation. You need to start thinking about what you would do during a disaster and how you will keep yourself and your family safe.
I don’t mean to sound like a pesimist, but I don’t think it’ll do much for many people. I think you’re right, that the minimal damage will make them complacent.
With hurricane Irene coming up the coast, I asked one guy I work with, what he’ll do to prepare for the hurricane and he said, “I dunno. I’ll bring in my chairs and umbrella from the deck”. Granted, here in SE PA will will probably only see some wind and rain, but what if?
No one is talking about preparing for anything, they are only saying “did you feel it?” and “where were you when…?”.
I find it amazing how little people are prepared for the smallest thing. Many can’t make tonight’s dinner without going to the store.
I try to talk to some without seeming too crazy, but it mostly falls on deaf ears. I hope they’re right.
A 5.8 earthquake, for someone who lives in California, is just something I take in stride. A quake around 6.8 – 7.2, however, is another matter. Anyone who has seriously prepped can handle either situation.
This just reinforces to me that we need to be ready for anything, even if it doesn’t commonly occur in our area.
Some people will start thinking seriously about prepping. Most, unfortunately, will not.
“Many can’t make tonight’s dinner without going to the store.”
SO sad, but SO true! Most people would have serious difficulty providing for themselves for more than a day or two.
I agree that most people won’t be able to survive for more than a few days without a grocery store which is so sad as it only takes a few bucks a week to gradually stock up your food storage.
I am just thankful I live in MN and do not have to worry all that much about earthquakes and not at all about hurricanes but we do have the issue of tornados in the spring and in the winter heavy snow and it gets colder than a mother-in-law’s kiss. Still being prepared for that is vital. When an ice storm happens up here you really have to be prepared because you could be without power for days in temps below freezing and it does get below zero (and not that wimpy celsius zero either) for weeks on end. I speak from experience when I say there is no joy in that situation and the better prepared you are the easier it is to deal with it.
Most people will remain oblivious and therefore will not bother to prep in the future… it’s just the way things are.
“it gets colder than a mother-in-law’s kiss.”
LOL