Have You Put Your Friends in Your Earthquake Kit?

Include Your Friends in Your Earthquake Plan

Humans are social animals. Nothing will change that, even a major earthquake. So why not make your social behavior an asset to your earthquake plan?

Rebecca Solnit has written a wonderful piece tackling the mental baggage that should never be part of your earthquake kit.

Her interesting take on disaster preparedness advises eschewing panic and fear in favor of planning and calm.  In addition to ignoring the hyperbole of disaster reporting, she suggests that you get to know your neighbors.

Outside of the essentials you should be responsible for preparing, establishing meaningful connections with the people who live around you and can help you survive will make earthquake recovery infinitely more bearable.

This is all wonderful advice, but don’t neglect your physical disaster kit either.

One of the best ways to get to know your neighbors is to have a party.  Throw a block party for earthquake awareness.  You can have fun and get to know everyone at the same time.  Embrace your community now, and you will find you have friends when you need them after an earthquake strikes.

By Elizabeth Rood