Preparing for the Big One
As the date of the Metro Manila earthquake drill nears, I am forced to think the unthinkable.
Until now, I have managed to push all thoughts of a possible disaster of the proportions described by experts, to the back of my head, preferring to live in the present, and being optimistic about the future. I felt that if I succumbed to the brewing panic wrought by constant reminders on TV and print, I would spend too much time worrying whether the third and fourth story townhouse where I live will hold up to the tremors, and how to gather my most precious possessions – pictures, books, family documents, laptop and I pad, sentimental knick-knacks – that are scattered in the nooks and crannies of my bedroom before the earth quakes on me.
Just thinking of how to put all my precious nothings in a convenient pile that I can drag down four flights of steps amid wild shaking in an earthquake was giving me a headache.
But I do realize that one must be prepared. But how prepared? So I did my research on the Internet.
I checked the Red Cross and other sites for tips on how to be ready for The Big One (and other possible disasters).
The Red Cross recommends a practical “lifeline kit” for the first crucial 72 hours after a major quake:
• One gallon of water for every person per day for drinking, cooking and washing, and water purification pills.
• Non-perishable food like granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, canned goods, canned juices, hard sweet candies, and disposable plates and utensils, enough for three days for every household member.
• Plastic laminated ID cards for every household member with emergency information (to which I would put medical information on allergies and special needs, home address, family contact numbers, emergency numbers for the Red Cross, hospitals, fire department, Meralco, etc.), a map of evacuation sites and routes, whistles and compasses, flashlights with extra batteries, multi-purpose knife, matches or lighter and candles, AM transistor radio with extra batteries, glow sticks, plastic sheets or garbage bags to be used as floor mats, thin and warm blankets, ropes (not nylon) and sleeping bags.
The Red Cross lists necessary personal effects: extra clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.), underwear, antibacterial soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste, super absorbent hand towels, comb/hair brush, hand sanitizer or alcohol, and sanitary napkins.
Will it really be that bad? I’m trying stay focused and not panic.
We are told to stash cash (including small change); in a plastic envelope, important documents such as SSS number, tax identification number, driver’s license, passport number, bank account details, insurance policy, etc.); passports and other vital legal papers (birth certificates, marriage contract, insurance certificates, land titles, etc); academic credentials, vaccination records, medical records, etc., and prepaid phone cards.
Make sure you have a supply of common meds such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal. For my household, I would add anti-asthma, anti-histamine, antacids, cough and cold meds, and my prescription medication.
The Red Cross has standard first aid kits available at their headquarters that should cover basic needs including a First Aid Quick Reference Guide.
We are advised to wear sturdy shoes in case we have to walk through rubble and debris, and pack small toys and games to relieve stress.
And finally, “We highly recommend that you use a backpack with good supporting shoulder straps. Make sure you can lift or carry it!”
I can see myself trying to get into my boots while struggling with my heavy backpack and running down the 30 plus steps from my room to the garage.
Another site recommends three kinds of kits: household disaster supplies to last until help comes; a “go-bag” in case you need to evacuate your home; and a “get-home bag”, to help you find your way home.
Amid the ruins of one’s home, one should have among other things that the Red Cross has listed, a manual can opener, a portable camping stove, a generator with fuel, and flares, along with duct tape, mosquito nets, insect repellent, heavy work gloves and dust masks, paper and pencils and permanent markers, books and board games. And for self-defense, one might need a gun, pepper spray and a baton.
The go-bag (which should be stored at home in case of quick evacuation), and the get-home bag (that you should have with you when you are out of the house), should contain “sub-sets” of the above lists. Like the Red Cross, the site reminds us “not to make the load too heavy as you may need to carry these items while on foot.”
No matter how you go about it, these emergency kits add up to heavy loads. But must we carry our preferred lifestyles on our backs at a time of extreme emergency?
I know I must get my family ready for any disaster, but the idea of stacking up so much stuff for a household of seven adults and a dog, in anticipation of an event that could come in an hour, five days or ten years, is stressful and impractical.
We will attempt to be reasonably ready for any eventuality – which is perhaps the most anyone can do without panicking and taking ridiculous lengths to ensure the retention of one’s comfort level even after all hell has broken loose.
