With total death toll predictions of as many as 300,000 people or more from the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, one might think that any emergency preparedness lessons to be learned would have clearly penetrated even the least safety counscious minds.
However, despite the enormity of the devastation, it is easy to miss the emergency preparedness message from the Haiti earthquake because "That is impoverished Haiti with its lack of building codes or a functioning government. Of course many people died and the rest severely suffered in the aftermath."
No such excuse should keep us from learning lessons from the enormous 8.8 earthquake the Chileans are calling the "Mega-Quake." This is a developed nation with a well functioning government. A nation with strict building codes and a history of responding to major earthquakes. Despite this, it appears that about 2 million people have been displaced and well over 1,000 are dead. People are sleeping in the streets and struggling to find basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.
As I have watched the reports, here as some of the emergency prerparedness lessons I see:
1) After a disaster You will Be Thristy and Hungry if You are Not Prepared With Emergency Water and Food
With widespread looting of grocery stores happening within two days of the quake, it is clear that people are without basic food and water. While there are undoubtedly those who are just taking advantage of the sitatuation to steal, it is clear that many of the "looters" are what we would otherwise consider to be average citizens who are thirsty and hungry.
Even search and rescue crews are indicating that their work is being slowed because of lack of food and water for the professional responders.
2) Don't Count On A Red Cross Shelter Popping Up in Your Neighborhood within 24 Hours - Have Emergency Shelter Supplies
Many of the residents of damaged homes have chosen to stay in the street or in their yards because it is too dangerous to stay inside and too risky to leave what is left of their belongings unguarded.
Shelter quickly becomes a critical need after such a disaster. Those lucky enough to have a tent, blankets, fire starting materials and fuel are much more comfortable that those who were caught unprepared.
3) Tsunamis are real and deadly
The double devastation of an earthquake followed by a 60 foot high tsunamis wave traveling at the speed of a commericial aircraft claimed many lives and caused great devastation on the Chilean coastline. Tsunamis have occured on the coast of the United States in the past and can be expected in certain earthquake scenarios.
A full understanding of the tsunamis risks might have led some to more quickly evacuate the coastright after feeling the quake. The several campers that were swept away and feared dead in one area probably weathered the quake well as they were out of doors, but obviously did not evacuate in time to avoid the deadly wave that followed.
4) Basic Emergency Tools Can Help in Critical Search and Rescue Efforts
As we have seen in other earthquakes, people are using their bare hands to remove rubble and seek to rescue others. Even such basics as a good pair of work gloves can aid in their efforts.
Many also reported that doors and windows were jammed as buildings moved in the quake. These exits had to be pried open. Basic emergency tools, like pry bars, would have helped many escape themselves and participate in serach and rescue efforts.
5) Provide For Yourself Before the Emergency or Risk Going Without
As always, the lesson we should each learn from such disasters is that all of us need to be prepared to meet our own basic needs in the immediate hours and days follwing a disaster.
Being prepared for such disasters means having an emergency kit and supplies that provide the "10 Emergency Basics":
Water
Food
Breathing protection
Emergency First aid
Shelter
Warmth
Light
Communication
Tools
Sanitation and hygiene
More information on emergency preparedness lessons learned from major earthquakes.
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