Quake With Force of Cairo Killer Could Rip Southland : Survival: Crisis specialist fears residents are too complacent about natural disasters.

More than 100 children were fatally trampled or injured while trying to escape from buildings and schools during the recent Cairo earthquake. As an active member of a local Crisis Intervention Team, I ask whether such a tragedy could occur here? The answer is yes. I am concerned that we’ve become too complacent about earthquakes and other natural disasters. That we’ve become a reactive population dealing with things after they happen, rather than preparing and planning ahead to ensure safety.

We live with the unpredictable specter of a major quake. We endure what psychologists call “anticipatory anxiety,” that warns us of approaching danger. The actual experience of a quake affects us psychologically and emotionally. Clear thinking is disrupted, our bodies react and behavior becomes scattered as we struggle to deal with the trauma of the event. But once it’s over, it’s really not over. During an earthquake and immediately following it, we develop a heightened awareness of all aspects of what goes on around us and within us, our thoughts and feelings.

Why then do we not take steps to prepare more thoroughly for the disaster we are told is going to happen?

Each person copes with these anxieties in his or her own way. But there are three common strategies for coping with disasters. Some people just “accept it” and go on as if nothing will ever happen. They do nothing to prepare or protect themselves. This form of denial is their style for coping and for them it works.

Others, when awareness of danger is heightened, become active for short bursts of time. They purchase earthquake kits and fasten down the water heater. But, as time passes, they tend to forget about it.

A third group has a much higher degree of anxiety. They are fearful most of the time. Many buy the essential items and store them. Yet they derive no relief from having survival gear available. Their environments are overflowing with past and recent reminders of earthquake danger. They live in extreme discomfort.

The unifying theme for these three groups is that none prepares mentally. And that concerns and frustrates those who try to prepare people for the inevitable natural disasters. No amount of denial will stop any disaster. It didn’t work in Cairo. It won’t work in California. Disasters can and should be planned for.

Study your home, your workplace, your paths to and from wherever you go. And especially know your child’s school situation. Determine what each family member is to do in each situation--at home, at school, at night. Put all the details on paper and discuss them thoroughly. Practice. Rehearse. Hold earthquake drills. Then surprise drills. The goal is to have everybody learn what to do so well that the behavior becomes automatic.

Most injuries occur because people panic. Learning to react safely without wasting time trying to decide what to do improves your survival chances.

To cope predictably with the unpredictable, the best strategy is to realize that survival depends upon our ability to be prepared. A clear, controlled mind with a practiced plan is the preeminent survival tool you can have.