apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

What are you missing? How about a little sympathy for all those victims in China?

The first part of your post reminds me of that rapper who sent out a press release telling his fans he was OK after the subway bombing in London...without acknowledging all the people that weren't "OK".

It's valid information, but it sounds just a bit self-serving.

I've posted it before, but here are the FEMA disaster guidelines. It includes information for earthquakes.

FEMA disaster prepared-ness info/guidelines:
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/

For earthquake prone CA - have your refrigerator strapped to the wall, along with hotwater heater, and cupboards that fasten shut. This is the reason why IKEA shelves all come with instructions to strap to a wall, and hardware to do so. Apparently many injuries from earthquakes are due to tipping and falling objects, like refrigerators and dishes from cupboards.

Also, have on hand food, water, medicines for 3 days, which is typically how long it takes for emergency services to be up and running after a disaster.

Another item to consider is a phone which doesn't require external power. (Look for a non-cordless phone which just connects directly to the telephone jack.) In emergency situations, typically landlines are the most reliable networks. Cell phones frequently don't work since the cell site or other network components are down; if the power is out, it won't be possible to charge a cell phone. Cordless phones require power, so a traditional phone which connects directly to the telephone jack is the best choice in an emergency situation.

Earthquake insurance is another thing that would be good to add to the list for renters out there. My father lost his house in Katrina - so I know first hand that the government does not show up after this sort of catastrophic natural disaster to rescue you. You are on your own.

Best to do what you can to be prepared.

i have to agree with juilletdix. i guess it's not easy to write a thoughtful post regarding recent catastrophes, and i know this is a blog about home decor and not current events, but the "glad it didn't happen to me, now let's focus on what to do if it happens in my hometown" sentiment struck me as a bit tasteless. sorry.

hey juilletdix and lemonpie, I hear what you're saying and I certainly didn't want to gloss over the tragic nature of the event, I wanted to keep things on topic, but I understand how that could have come off. I didn't successfully balance the 'light' nature of blogging with the magnitude of this tragedy. Obviously my heart goes out to all the people that have been affected and I would never want to minimize something so horrible. My apologies.

As someone who was displaced on 9/11, I believe that events like this are the perfect time to remind people of the importance of disaster planning. Here are some suggestions:

If you take any critical meds, have a week's worth with you at all times, if possible.

Buy water in glass bottles, not the plastic gallons, which degrade and break over time, leaving you with water stains and no water in an emergency.

If you scan key documents and email them to yourself, they'll be available world wide - just nothing with SS#s, etc. Otherwise, put them on to a flash drive or a CD and store it somewhere far away.

If the cell network is up, you can charge your phone via a AA - there are inexpensive devices widely available.

If you buy a flashlight, look for how long they burn on a set of batteries. Maglites don't last very long. Some flashlights by Gerber are much better.

Buy good batteries - they'll last longer in use.

Here's the link to the "Be Red Cross Ready" flash site, which gives lots of great tips on how to get a kit, make a plan and be informed.

http://www.redcross.org/flash/brr/English-flash/default.asp

Even if I didn't work for the Red Cross, I'd think it was pretty helpful information.

- Lise
www.redcrosspdx.blogspot.com

excellent info. thanks.

Great article. It is imporatant for people to be aware of the steps to be taken to prepare for any emergency. At a minimum, everyone should have a small