When I woke up this morning, I was surprised to learn that a 4.5-magnitude earthquake had hit the Seattle area.
Now, I've often pondered how I have no idea what to do during natural disasters as a classic New York city slicker. But sleeping through a baby quake made me question what I'd do if (and when) the big one hits. So all you East Cost transplants, listen up!
1.) That isn't the subway shaking your apartment
Part of surviving an earthquake is recognizing that it's happening. I know that sounds crazy, but New Yorkers get used to the ground rattling constantly thanks to all the things that go on underground (repairs, transportation, the mole people). If your building is shaking, don't just sit their sipping your Manhattan.
2.) Nuclear fallout shelters aren't ubiquitous in Seattle
After 9/11, I started hearing about New York's fallout shelters as handy hideouts during emergencies and natural disasters. Well, that doesn't apply in Seattle. I recommend reading up on earthquake survival on the FEMA Web site, which has basic tips on what to do if you're indoors, outside, or in a moving vehicle (because hey, driving is scary enough as it is when you're a New Yorker...)
3.) Emergency preparedness doesn't mean having extra bottles of wine in case a guest stops by
Seriously. After living through a few real emergencies in New York (9/11, the Northeast Blackout of 2003), you start to realize the importance of keeeping a reserve of drinking water and non-perishable foods (and a radio and phone that don't require electricity) on hand just in case. For a checklist, check out the City of Seattle's 3 Days, 3 Ways, Are You Ready? campaign.
And hey, even if you still live in New York, it might not hurt to pay attention. The region has a history of earthquakes (although they're not as common on the East Coast). After all, the one thing you learn as a New Yorker is to always expect the unexpected.
Comments
I was happy to learn that no damage was reported form todays's earthquake.
This is such a helpful article. It is a great idea to be prepared for emergencies. After reading this I hope people will do that.
Another tip, always have cash with you.
Yep, good point - ATMs don't work so hot without electricity.
The best thing to do is pack your things and get out...If not able then have a boat/raft/flotational device or can you tread water or maybe hope to turn into a duck!!!Are you really ready for the big one that cometh,for the east will say:"All of you have been warned"Alaska,Washington and more so California(the lib`s will have to learn to float)
That is if you live through the economic disaster that your politicians caused for you and if you will be able to find food or water...
You can`t eat cash...The people on the titanic found out what money meant!!!
I'm an East-coaster who spent some time living in Los Angeles, a town where earthquakes happen almost weekly! The best advice I got when living there was to never sleep in the nude. You never know when you might have to quickly run out of your home when the "big one" might hit. That and to always have 2 emergency kits w/ drinking water: 1 for your home and 1 for your car. Those are the best to pieces of advice I can offer.
That is fantastic advice - good point about not sleeping in the nude and also having an emergency kit for your car!
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