Dad, What Do You Do In an Earthquake? Emergency Preparedness

Three out of five parents said that their biggest fear is that something will happen to their children. If you are wondering about what the other two said, don’t. They either lied or misunderstood the question.

Since I can’t always be there to protect and watch over the kids I do what I can to provide them with the tools and skills to handle situations as they arise. And in my personal experience I have seen more than a few things happen.

I went through the Northridge Earthquake, I was evacuated from a forest fire in 1985, went through the riots in 1992 and have lost more than a few friends to cancer, drunk drivers and suicides. As ‘D‘ used to say, “Shit happens.”

This afternoon I took my son around the house and showed him again where all the flashlights are. I showed him the earthquake kits, the first aid kits and the fire extinguishers. Spent time reminding him that I put the batteries in upside down so that you can’t accidentally turn the light on and run the battery down.

He knows how to dial 911 on the cell, the home phone and on a rotary phone. Not really sure that he’ll ever encounter a rotary phone, but I like to be thorough.

Midway through it all he asked me if I was really worried about anything happened. I lied a little. I told him that I just want to be safe. After all he is a hair short of nine. I don’t really want him worrying that something could happen any time and I knew that my response would alleviate that concern.

I really don’t worry about it. It is not a conscious thought, but it comes up with enough regularity. You really don’t know what could happen. If G-d forbid we are in a car accident and I am unconscious I want him to stay calm and call for help.

If an earthquake hits at school I want him to stay calm. I drilled him on that. Stay calm and make smart decisions. You can be excited once you are safe.

In the end all we can do is try to give them the tools and skills to deal with what comes and hope that it all works out.

Excuse me now, I have to go hug and kiss the kids once or twice.