Self-Reliance — The Key To Emergency Survival

By Patricia El Sharei

As catastrophic as the Great Southern California ShakeOut Scenario may seem, scientists and emergency experts tell us that many can and will survive the initial calamity. The real challenge will be dealing with the aftermath and the large-scale disruptions to our physical, social, and economic infrastructures.

In a recent telephone interview, Mr. Kevin Brown, Riverside County Emergency Services Coordinator, told the publisher of the Palm Springs Area Survival Guide that it is imperative that all citizens begin now to “get involved, get prepared and become self-sufficient.” Whereas previously citizens have been warned that they might be on their own for up to 72 hours following a major disaster, the “new science” suggests that, in reality, it could be up to several weeks.

To heighten public concerns even more, on September 10, 2008, at a Town Hall Meeting in Palm Springs, Dr. Lucy Jones, Chief Scientist for the USGS, told a standing room only audience that following a major disaster, drinking water in the Coachella Valley could be jeopardized for up to 6 months. Although public officials indicate that plans are in the making to “truck in” drinking water under such circumstances, there are no guarantees.

It becomes imperative, therefore, that Coachella Valley residents heed the message that self-reliance is the key to emergency survival and begin to Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Become Informed.

As the telephone interview with Kevin Brown came to a close, he recalled a poster that always hung in one of his previous offices. He said that it sums up the situation quite well. It stated, “Once the Disaster Starts — All Time for Planning has Passed.”

For Web resources that can help individuals, families, and businesses prepare for emergencies, read Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Become Informed in this issue of the Palm Springs Area Survival Guide.

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