Be Prepared - the Red Cross' Marching Song

Okay, folks, this is serious.  In fact, I've wanted to write the following line all my writing career and really mean it.  So here goes - it's so serious, your life depends on it.  And the lives of your family.  Want to know what it is?  Earthquake preparedness.

And preparedness for other of life's bigger moments, too.  Here's just a brief list: earthquakes (of course), mud slides, explosions, tornadoes, floods, wildfire, pandemic flu, power outages, transportation tragedy, terrorism, tsunami, and the one that will get us all, etc.  It's a long list, isn't it, which means the odds are pretty good one of them will hit you and your family at one time or another.  And went it does hit, being prepared for it may mean the difference between survival and the other, less attractive alternative.

At our last meeting (7:30am at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital Conference Room) we were visited by Monique Phan of Preparedness, Health and Safety Services at the American Red Cross.  In a 45 minutes talk, one that kept us riveted, she guided us through such important concepts as - when your world starts shaking, Drop, Cover, and Hold On.  Drop to hands and knees, find a reasonably strong piece of furniture of crawl under, a table maybe, and hold on so it and you stay put. 

But as importantly, before it hits, assume it will and get ready for it.  Get some basic supplies together - food, batteries, radio (battery or hand cranked), water (a gallon per person per day - plan for a week's worth), first aid kit, flashlight (tape batteries to the outside so they remain fresh), and other things your family will need if the world outside becomes a hostile, inaccessible place.  Then keep this kit where you and the rest of your family can get at it. 

Which brings up the next thing you need - a plan.  Make one.  Start by what to do if - if there's a fire, if there's an earthquake, if there's a mudslide - make a plan to get out of the house, where to meet up, how to contact one another if you're away when it hits. 

Then after you have the plan, make sure the whole family knows about it.

And when things change, change the plan.

If you'd like Monique Phan to speak to your group, her email's mphan@oc-redcross.org.