This is a total legit fear. Living in one of the most amazing cities in the world comes with one huge downside: EARTHQUAKES. Not to mention any other disaster, from tsunamis to terrorists, I wanted to be prepared for it all. So when I found out Stasha, a fellow employee, was professionally trained in emergency preparedness AND was willing to come do a presentation at my house, I decided it was most necessary to put a date on the calendar.

Kudos to those who made it out on Wednesday night to get prepared! And BIG thanks to Stasha for the great information!

With such a serious topic at hand, no reason we couldn’t lighten the mood…I decided it best to make it a theme night, Natural Disaster Theme Night that is…I realize it’s a bit of a social faux pas, but come on…how can you not laugh…Here’s just a sample of some of the dangerously delicious themed appetizers served…

Meat-eor Showers        Row, Row, Row Your Boat       Survivors in a Blanket

Fire and Ice Cheese Dip       Crumbled Cake                     Lifeboats

Food and drinks aside, we learned some very helpful tips I’d love to share…Oh and for the record, I feel much better about how to be under the influence and survive an earthquake…

Make a Plan

The best you thing you can do is make a plan. Start with prepping your own emergency preparedness kits. Then partner with your family or friends to determine a meeting place and/or communication cadence.

Quick Tips

• In an earthquake the best think you can do is simply duck and cover. Do NOT trust the ‘triangle of life’ and do NOT hide in the doorway.
• If you’re driving pull over as soon as it’s safe.
• Text instead of call. In the case you’re trying to contact someone and cell service is down, text messages may not immediately send, but will go through once the towers are back up.
• Set up an out of state contact. In an emergency contact this person and have them alert your friends and family of your status. This keeps local phone lines clear.
• Social media (i.e. Facebook or Twitter) can be an easy means to update a large group of people your ‘status.’
• Download smart phone applications (i.e. emergency preparedness checklists, seismic activity tracking, etc)
• Sign up for Alert SF
• Microchip your animal!

Did You Know?

• San Francisco has over 80 siren systems to alert residents by neighbor hood of any threats. These sirens are tested every Tuesday at noon. If you hear these sirens at any other time, check your local news for more information.
• Although the safest areas in the city are in bedrock, the infrastructure of your building is just as important. Contact your landlord to ask about the safety of your home.
• The marina will not sink. (I was shocked on this one.)
• In most cases, cell towers are planned to come back up quickly. Have your cell ready to go!

You Emergency Preparedness Kits

Build yourself a kit…one for your office, car, home, etc. If you buy a pre-packed bag, ensure you open it up to ensure you’re familiar with the content and add any items that personalize it for you, your family and friends.

On-The-Go Kits (Great for your car or everyday bag!)

• Whistle
• Headlamp or Flashlight
• Matches or Lighter
• Hand Sanitizer
• Crank Radio
• Knife
• Emergency Blanket
• Something to write with/on
• Money ($50 in Small Bills)
• Map
• Office Only: Comfortable Shoe Change, Extra Clothes, Small Amount of Food/Water

Home To Go Kit (Supplies for up to 1 week for you and your housemates…have more than one in your house too!) Go through your everyday routine, starting from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep and determine if there are any supplies you should include to personal your kit.

• Headlamp or Flashlight W/Extra Batteries
• Matches or Lighter
• Crank Radio
• Emergency Blanket
• Food Bars
• Gloves
• Moist Towelettes/Bath in a Bag
• Breathing Mask
• Plastic Sheeting
• Rain Poncho
• Roll of Duct Tape
• Water/Water Purify Tablets/Water Container
• Whistle
• Something to write on/with
• Hiking First Aid Kit
• Sunscreen w/DEET
• Solar or Portable Phone Charger
• Money ($150-$200 Small Bills)
• Tampons
• Portable Drive w/Current Photos, Home Video Footage & Scanned Documents (Insurance, Car Registration, SS Card, Lease, etc) Email can also work to store this type of information.
• Don’t forget about your pets! Pack for them too!
• Personalize your kits…medications, allergies meds, iPod, caffeinated jelly beans, glasses, shoes, clothes, etc.

Your home kit should be completely portable. Backpacks are an easy way to be hands free while carrying everything you need. Even better you can use a solar backpack, which allows you to charge your electronics too!

Additional Resources

Check out these great sites for more information!

• SF Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT)
• 72 Hours: Are you Prepared?
• Bay Area Red Cross
• Federal Government Preparedness Resources