First Things First
The rumbling has stopped, at least for the moment. Around you there is dust and debris, cries for help and the electricity is out. There are a few things you know you have to do. Find your family and get them to a safe location, if time and safety permit, take needed supplies, such as 72 hour and first aid kits. Treat life threatening injuries and next, inspect your house for fire or utility damage. As you complete these tasks you slowly become aware that your neighborhood has been greatly affected too. With your family safe your thoughts turn to your neighbors and a group of you go to check on the others. What happened? Eventually, someone hears on a radio that there has been a big earthquake. What kinds of supplies and training does your family need for: finding and contacting loved ones, treating injuries, staying safe, managing utilities, helping neighbors and determining what has happened all the while determining, is it safe to stay or should we go?
Nothing really prepares you to experience a major catastrophe, yet when it happens, your survival instincts kick in. In the still moments right after “IT” hits, you will have only a couple of things on your mind: family and safety. You will focus on the things that matter most to you, putting First Things First. Your areas of priority will include:
- Family headcount
- Treating life threatening injuries
- Grabbing emergency kits
- Determining stability of surroundings
- Helping others
- Communication
What can I do now to prepare?
- Build a good First-Aid kit and know how to use it (consider CPR training or basic first-aid training)
- Learn how to turn off the natural gas to your house
- Prepare for communication: a battery powered radio, walkie talkies, and an external battery power for your cell phone
- Look into CERT training so you are prepared to be a helper in your neighborhood.
