Second Episode of the WannabeHippie Getting Prepared
What Will the Gingery Family Do Now when The Earthquake Hits?
After Mark, Elaine and the kids experienced a simulated earthquake in the Big Shaker, they admitted they weren’t ready for it, and need to get something taken care of.
Back at the ranch, Sue shows the girls what to do if an earthquake hits while they’re in bed. It’s so easy, they just need to put their pillows over their heads like a helmet, while the ground is shaking and stay like that until it’s stopped for good. After the shaking is all done, they should stay where they are until their parents come get them.
But Mark and Elaine are doing it wrong in the earthquake drill. They think they should immediately go run for the girls, while the ground is shaking away. Nope, nope, Sue tells them – if you run, you could get hurt by falling debris, and then who’d take care of the girls? Stay where you are, and drop to the ground, under a table if there is one, put your arms around your heads, and find something to hold on to until the shaking stops.
As they song goes…what song? You know the most amazing earthquake song EVAR, “Don’t move until the shaking stops!”
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! Sue then gives them all Red Cross Go Bags, one for each of them, and a special one made just for Maya. Who’s a good puppy? Who deserves her own pet earthquake kit? You can learn to make one as well for your best friend.
Is there a way seniors can protect ourselves without getting under something, we are not as limber & quick as younger people? Any ideas? Thank You
Sit if possible, e.g. in a chair, away from windows or falling objects, e.g. against a wall or alongside a table. Bend over and cover your head and neck. If there is nothing close to hold on to and you may fall, try to let yourself down gradually before the earthquake knocks you over. Then if possible roll or slide close to something that will give you protection like a table, wall or couch, or away from windows or things that may fall. Then cover your head and neck with your arms, a pillow or jacket, whatever is available. If you are generally homebound, it is a good idea to wear a whistle around your neck, to signal for help if you are down and can’t get up.
There’s a really good resource for earthquake preparation for people with disabilities or other physical limitations. It’s at: http://www.shakeout.org/downloads/AFNPreparednessGuide_10-6-2011.pdf
Gerry, getting down will be the safest thing. The ground may assist you in doing it faster than would be comfortable, but once down at least cover your head with your hands. As Ann mentions, if there’s something to cover with close by, try and get to it.
Here’s what the earthquake country alliance website has to say:
Protect yourself in the safest place possible without having to move far – no matter what your limitations are, you need to protect yourself as best as possible. The more limitations you have the more important it is to create safe spaces for yourself.
Do NOT try to get out of the building during an earthquake! Most injuries occur when people try to
exit buildings during the shaking and are injured by other people or falling debris.
Drop under a piece of desk, furniture or against an inside wall.
Cover your head and neck. Hold on to a desk or furniture leg to keep it from shifting or uncovering you until the shaking completely stops.
If you are in a wheelchair, recliner or bed, do not try to transfer to or from your chair during the shaking. Wait until the shaking stops to transfer.
Stay put. Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
Wheelchair user: lock your wheels; cover your head and neck, after the shaking stops. The force of the earthquake may knock you off your feet or throw you to the ground. If you have mobility or balance issues, the shaking may make it even harder for you to move around.
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