Now Is the Time to Prepare

Wednesday’s anniversary of the 1994 Northridge earthquake is an occasion for looking back and celebrating how far the San Fernando Valley has come in seven years. But it’s also a reminder to look ahead. And that means preparing for the next quake.

Yes, we all know the drill, or think we do. Brace water heaters and bookshelves. Safely store and display china, artwork and other breakable objects that could fly across the room and cause injuries. Discuss a disaster plan with family members and note safe places to ride out a quake at home, school and work. Set aside food and supplies for the aftermath of an earthquake. Remember to rotate water and canned goods every six months or so and to replace flashlight batteries. Keep a first-aid kit handy.

The question is, how many of us actually do any of these?

Far too few, according to emergency preparedness experts. Even here in earthquake-prone Southern California, the experts say that preparations slack off about two years after the last quake. That means there are probably a lot of dead batteries and past-date canned goods sitting around Valley houses and yards--or at least the houses and yards of people who were here seven years ago and learned firsthand why such preparations matter.

The only other way the experts know to motivate people is to remind them, again and again.

Let Wednesday’s anniversary serve as such a reminder. It beats the alternative.

To Take Action: Information on earthquake preparedness can be found on the Web. Try the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Earthquake Preparedness Handbook (www.lafd.org / eqindex.htm), or call the LAFD’s Disaster Preparedness Unit, (818) 756-9674, and ask to be mailed a copy. The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Red Cross will send you a brochure on earthquake preparedness; phone (213) 739-5200 or find the information on the Web (www.redcross.org).