San Francisco in early 1906. Life was good for some, hard for others. The average life expectancy was 47 years old, less for black females. Women did not have the right to vote yet. The US flag only had 45 stars. Cars had been around a few years, but only the rich could afford them. There was no professional football; folks followed college ball or major league baseball. The average wage was .22 an hour, with the average yearly salary between $200-$400. The most interesting fact is that only about 6% of Americans graduated from high school. It seems to me that with education a low priority at that time, the future would be even farther down the list of what’s on everyone’s mind.

 

San Francisco in early 2012. Although we have a longer life expectancy rate, more stuff to do with less time to do it, more money with more debt, and advanced education that politicians try to limit funds for, we are better prepared now for our future.

 

The year 1906 was a determining factor in how we live our lives.  We can fall asleep at night knowing that anything can happen and the likelihood of waking up in the morning is assured. The reason for this is because we are prepared for what might happen. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area we are prepared for a major earthquake. Well, some are prepared, others know it might happen. We try to not get too complacent.

 

Those of us that live in the San Francisco Bay Area have been aware that the west coast will fall into the ocean.  For more than 30 years I’ve heard the big one is coming within the next 30 years. That figure is still being considered. Why do we live in this beautiful area when we know that a catastrophe is waiting to happen again?

 

Most of us living in earthquake-prone areas prefer to live each day with the thought that it won’t happen anytime soon; there is always tomorrow to get prepared. Tomorrow is here. There have been quite a few fault lines identified that the topographical map of California is changed. Many of us are prepared. Are you?

 

Some people party and live life to the fullest without a thought to the future. Others make sure they live in earthquake-safe buildings.  Most of the high rise and commercial buildings were constructed or re-constructed with a strong earthquake in mind.

 

I am prepared. I have food and water stored, an emergency survival kit with enough supplies for my whole family, a first aid kit, tools for emergency shut off of the gas, and an emergency plan for what to do in case of emergency.  An emergency earthquake kit is a necessary item in earthquake zones.

 

When faced with an earthquake circumstance, it is always better to seek refuge under tables that can protect a person from heavy objects that are falling from everywhere.  If you are outside, immediately go to an open area without the danger of falling or uprooted trees, high rise buildings, overhead or downed power lines, or store fronts with large windows.   

 

If you are driving when an earthquake occurs, stay inside your car.  If you are inside a grocery store, mall, or at work, make sure that you stay away from heavy shelves and other objects that may fall.  Windows are liable to break so staying away from them is a helpful tip to remember. When you are inside a theater or a sports stadium and an earthquake occurs, never run for safety and join the multitudes doing the same thing.  Do not panic; duck under the seat and wait until the shaking stops before you move to a clear area.   

 

Many people get hurt or may even die in an earthquake. The main reason is because of panic and failure to prepare for such an emergency.  It is always helpful to have an emergency earthquake plan if earthquakes are common in the area you live in.

 

Survival may depend on how prepared you are for an emergency.  Those that are not prepared for the worst case scenario are the ones that tend to panic.  In most cases, those who panic may become the first victims of any emergency. Don’t be a victim.

 

 

 

 

 

Debi Schwartz, author, is the premier provider of office emergency kits. Get yours today. You’ll be glad you are prepared. Check out http://www.AllMyEmergencyKits.com for all your survival and emergency kit needs.

 

 

 

Tags: earthquake emergency preparation, earthquake-prone areas, emergency survival kits, emergency supplies, emergency earthquake kit, earthquake emergency tips, earthquake zones, emergency earthquake plan