Conference moira::parenting

    Monica,
    
    I was born and raised in California till I was 8 yrs old and then my
    parents decided to move back to Mass where they originaly came from.
    As far as training goes The schools in Calif. have earthquake training
    to teach the kids how to react in such a case.  I know the schools here
    in Mass the schools have the fire dept. come in and teach the kids
    about fire prevention and what to do in case there is a fire in the
    home, etc.  My Daycare provider has video's that she shows the kids
    along with workbooks to teach them not to talk to strangers, what to do
    incase of an emergency or a fire.  So I am sure that the schools out
    where your family lives has prepared the children but when it happens
    its a whole different story.  
    
    Liz

       <<< Note 677.0 by KAOFS::M_BARNEY "Dance with a Moonlit Knight" >>>
                 -< Disaster Planning and Family Preparedness >-

Hi Monica,

We have extensive Earthquake preparedness programs in Southern Calif.
*ALL* schools have to have plans and emergency supplies for every child.
Here at Digital too!

Maybe this note should include a list of what to put in your child's
Earthquake kit. (We do 4 each year).

Corona is quite far from the epicenter of the quake. (50-60 miles?)  Unless
your verwandten live in a very old brick home, their damage was probably
NOT structural.  There are many, experienced resources available for both
mental and physical health problems.  

Rochelle_who's_three_year_old_has_been_asking_questions_since_4:31am.

Not sure if this is appropriate here, the status of our Southern Calif.
Digital sites on 1/17/94.

The Culver City and Santa Monica sites suffered no structural damage, but
are closed today.  The Costa Mesa and Irvine sites are open with minor
damage.  The Reseda site had two walls collapse, I overheard someone talking
about beginning repairs ASAP.  Many Digital Employees live in the San Fernando
Valley.  When the offices reopen, their commutes could become horrendous due
to the damaged freeway system.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Rochelle
    
    

This morning we taught 5 year old Evan (again) to get under a doorway or a
*strong* table (with examples) if there was an earthquake.  I remember being 
taught this repeatedly when I went to school in California.  We also have
taught him about 9-1-1.  I even have practiced with him several times how
to tell the 911 person about the problem and who he is, etc.  We have
also had a few fire drills.  This upset Evan very much, and he doesn't
want to think about it, but it was prompted by an apparent arson attempt
on our house, so it was necessary.

Shellie and I have also learned infant CPR, and plan to learn child CPR.
Other than that, I don't think we have done much.  One thing that I know
we need to work on is teaching the kids not to go back for something that
was left behind.  We were watching "Lois and Clark" last night and a little
girl nearly got crushed when she went back into danger to get her dropped
teddy bear.  We are using that as an example, but I think Evan still doesn't
understand.

     Carol

    Right after Christmas, my son's best friend was severly burned in a
    house fire (faulty extension cord).  He woke up, smelled smoke and went
    to run to make sure his parents were okay.  Instead he got caught in
    the draft of the stairwell.  The rest of his family escaped unharmed. 
    I realized that my 5 1/2 year old would have done the same thing if it
    had been our house.  He would want to make sure everyone was ok before
    he left the house.  Needless to say we have been over this with him and
    have set a meeting place outside the house for him to wait for us.  We
    gone over everyone's escape route (everyone's is different).  I have
    tried to explain to him that if he does not follow the plan, we won't
    know where to look for him in smoke.  I did not do this to frighten him
    but to emphasize the importance of sticking to escape routes.  He knows
    the basic fire safety - Stop, Drop, Roll but schools cannot plan the
    best way to get out of your house.  Brian was reassured that we had a
    plan to get everyone to safety.  He was really worried about his 18
    month old sister but after explaining to him that Mom and dad's plan
    included making sure she was safe.  He felt much better about the whole
    incident.
    
    By the way, Brian's friend suffered third degree burns over 60% of his
    body.  Though he is out of immediate danger, prayers for the family are
    appreciated.  The doctor's predict that it will be over two years
    before they complete all of the skin grafts.
    
    LG	

    A few months ago my 8 year old daughter, Amber indicated concerns
    about fires and escape.  I sat with her one night and we discussed
    what to do in case of such an emergency.  Her biggest concern was
    how to get out of her window.  We own a one story home so escape
    would be a simple as opening (or breaking) a window, pushing out
    a screen and jumping or climbing out. It turns out the really big
    concern Amber had was trying to do this without 'breaking' anything.
    I had to explain that breaking a window or screen was *OK*. It 
    would not get her in trouble. I then went on to give her examples
    of what to break the window with (chair, pillow, barbie doll :^))
    and then told her to put a blanket or some kind of cloth over the
    bottom ragged edges of the window before climbing out.
    
    We never (at least I never) think about how a child might react to
    an emergency if they have to disobey standard rules of conduct in
    order to survive.  Make sure your children know it's OK to break
    something to escape. Kick someone in the shins if they are being
    molested. Scream if they are scared.  It just might not occur to
    them that it is OK to break the rules.
    
    Jodi-

<    We never (at least I never) think about how a child might react to
<    an emergency if they have to disobey standard rules of conduct in
<    order to survive.  Make sure your children know it's OK to break
<    something to escape. Kick someone in the shins if they are being
<    molested. Scream if they are scared.  It just might not occur to
<    them that it is OK to break the rules.
    
EXCELLENT point, Jodi.  

      Carol

    I think one must look at the type of disasters your trying to prepare
    for: In California, obviously earthquakes should be high on the list.
    In the Southeast, hurricanes, and in the Mid West tornadoes and floods.
    I live in New England, I know that if we had an earthquake my house
    would probably burn (if the quake hit in the winter) due to an upset
    coal stove.  But its far more LIKELY that the house will burn due to
    a fire with more normal causes.
    
    When I try to be prepared I reduce my thinking to basics, what will 
    count the most after some sort of disaster:
    
    Food, water, warm clothing, communications, and medical supplies.
    
    I have a camper which I keep in my backyard for camping: If it survived
    the 'event' it would fullfill most on the list of essentials if it had
    been kept stocked.  Also, normal camping equipment (tents, sleeping
    bags etc.) for those who camp represent a real source of resources.
    
    My point is that many of us already HAVE many resources potentially
    at our disposal in case of an emergency. 
    
    On TV last night one woman was in a tent city. The interviewer asked
    what she was going to do to help herself... she said, 'nothing, there
    was nothing she COULD do'.  IMO there is a serious attitude problem
    there. She was physically unharmed, 'nothing' she could do? Give me
    a break. (maybe she had post traumatic stress syndrome but it didn't
    seem like it)
    
    I would sum this up to: 1. Plan ahead, and 2. Learn to SEE what
    resources you already DO have and would still likely have after the
    disaster.
    
    Another simple rule I have: The 'halftank rule'.  Always keep you car
    at least half full of gas. You never know when the car will become a
    lifeline to safety and you don't won't to be out of gas just when you
    need the car the most, and power is out and gas stations can't or won't
    pump gas.
    
    One thing I learned in the New England Blizzard of 1978:  Things can
    change FAST, and the infrastructure we count on can virtually collapse
    just from a big snowstorm, let alone an earthquake.  AND, the
    government passes INSTANT laws... such as NO DRIVING... its illegal
    to drive... (in Boston) just like THAT.
    
    Jeff
    

    Also, keep in mind that almost twice as many people have died in the
    current East Coast freeze as have in the California Earthquake...the
    cold can be as big a risk as any other natural disaster...
    
    (Last numbers I heard were 88 vs. 46)
    
    tim
    

    We probably also have to define the word "disaster", as being
    an event that is unexpected. Californians no doubt are better 
    prepared than New Englanders for an earthquake and vice versa
    for winter.
    This comes to mind as Tim said in the last reply about deaths
    due to the winter in the east.
    In eastern Canada snow and extreme cold are the norm in the 
    winter, so that I would expect a greater preparedness than 
    people in Georgia who have no idea how to cope with icy roads
    on a regular basis.
    
    Since Christmas, the weather here has been averaging -20C to -30C
    each day, with the windchill on certain days up to -40c to -50C
    (no need to convert this: -40C = -40F)
    On days in which the weather is more temperate, i.e. -15C, we get 
    dumped on usually 10-15cm of snow then back to the deep freeze. 
    
    Preparedness: Blankets, shovels, scrapers and block heaters in most
    cars, an automobile club membership for boosting (although on the 
    really bad days they may take up to 8 hours to get to you). 
    
    We put vaseline on Charlotte's face when we leave the house for the 
    sitter's during these days - protects the skin. 
    
    A different style of driving and walking outdoors (I realized this 
    some years ago when my Californian cousin came to stay with us 
    during the winter - she went home with bruises on her butt from not
    knowing how to walk on the snow and ice). 
    Yes, there are still people who walk around without hats in this
    weather, or, who stupidly believe in -20 that the black spots on the 
    roads are wet and not black ice (silly them). But for the most part,
    to survive the winter each year, some precautions have to take place.
    
    After all this, I still think we have it better than
    our friends and close relatives in California. I'll take a big
    oil bill anyday over having your house fall off a cliff....
    
    Monica
    

>    Also, keep in mind that almost twice as many people have died in the
>    current East Coast freeze as have in the California Earthquake...the
>    cold can be as big a risk as any other natural disaster...
 
True, though the preparation must be somewhat different.  In an earthquake or 
fire, for example, the appropriate response must be done quickly and under 
pressure, with no forewarning; no chance for mom or dad to tell you what to 
do or for you to ask them, or to ponder whether you should break the window 
or not.

Responding to an earthquake or a fire actually has many similarities to 
"human created" disasters -- such as what to do if someone tries to abduct 
you, what to do in the event of gunfire, etc.  They also share in common that 
preparation for earthquakes, etc. is important not because of the frequency 
of ocurrence, but because of the degree of the consequences.

Clay   

    Well I don't know about other's who live in California, but for me I
    think I've almost developed a sixth sense when it comes to earthquakes.
    Meaning that about the milisecond one starts you fly out of bed like
    someone put hot coals under you!
    
    On Monday, I did exactly that.  I raced (calmly!) down my short hallway
    to Chelsea's room, who of course was in a sound sleep.  Those cribs
    move pretty good on them rollers!  I got the crib rail down and she
    snapped her little head up and took in the action of her crib.  She
    looked up at me with a big smile (pretty good for 4:30 in the morning!)
    and said "WOW"....which Mommy replied "BIG WOW" and snatched her up.
    
    We went under our oak table in the kitchen area where Chelsea proceeded
    to give me another "WOW MOMMMY".  I stayed calm, she stayed calm, the
    earth moved.  It felt like a good sized one even in Orange County, but
    what we felt doesn't even compare what the people in Northridge and
    the Valley went thru.  
    
    My Dad and Stepmom live in Northridge and have been thru many a quake,
    but said this one was really terrifying.  They also live in an older
    structure and were not sure if the building was going to collaspe.
    
    As Chelsea gets older I plan on teaching her all the safety plans
    concerning earthquakes, since California definately does its share
    of rocking and rolling.  
    
    As a parent, I also need to be better prepared.  We have a lot of the
    basics, but still really need to do a thorough inventory of supplies
    and also bolting down a lot more stuff in the house.  Sometimes I
    tend to have that lazy attitude of "It could never happen here" and
    then something like this hits close to home (my parents) and it really
    snaps you back into reality.
    
    ...Lori

    I live in N.H., I can never remember being in even a mild earthquake.
    But now that Southern Calif. has had The Quake of 94 scientists are
    telling us that 'it could happen HERE too, N.E. is ripe for a big
    quake'. So... great, we don't have the earthquake codes or prepardness
    for quakes that Californians have.  Other than hiding under a door
    frame or table what other little tricks of avoiding having an entire
    building fall on your head can you advise us on?  I know, live outside.
    
    Jeff

    I've experienced about half a dozen very mild quakes here in eastern
    Canada (some in Montreal, some in Ottawa). It makes good sense to
    understand the kind of faults that may cause quakes in your area.
    In California, the lines are inherently unstable, but here, small 
    shifts occur every so often, and basically do not threaten us much.
    
    (I've also experienced one in Orange County on New Years Day one year,
    a 4.6. THAT I remember - I was lying on the ground on my stomach
    watching TV) 
    
    Various reports I've been watching on CNN hint that its a very good 
    idea to keep non-perishables, water, flashlights and a portable camping
    stove around just in case.
    
    Monica

    Sorry, I have no advise about keeping your house intact if a
    quake should hit but steps you can take to help safeguard you 
    and your family from injury are:
    
    - never hang pictures or any heavy objects above or near a bed.
    
    - always secure bookcases, hutches, armoires, and large pieces
      of furniture to the walls. 
    
    - baby 'safety' latches on cabinets, especially in the kitchen
      could save you alot of grief even in a small quake. The experts
      say the most dangerous area in your home during a quake is the
      kitchen. The cupboard doors pop open and empty their contents
      onto the floor with very little provacation. Broken glass, 
      slippery sauces and flying appliances cause a great deal of
      injury during earthquakes.
    
    - always keep several gallons of bottled water stored in a closet
      or other generally stable area in the house.
    
    - same goes for food, blankets, batteries, flashlights, medical
      supplies, duct tape, rope, emergency cash, etc.
    
    That's all I can think of right now, but it's a start.
    
    Jodi-
    
    

    My relatives all have handles on their kitchen cabinets - they
    put thick rubber bands around them to hold the cabinets together
    (I was wondering why they were "childproofing" the cabinets 
    at eye level when I realized what the bands were for!)
    
    Monica

    So small objects get HURLED in earthquakes?! Just from the shaking?
    I can see how buildings fall, and cabinets fall, but a cup on a counter
    gets HURLED just from the shaking?  Impressive.
    
    Jeff

>    So small objects get HURLED in earthquakes?! Just from the shaking?
>    I can see how buildings fall, and cabinets fall, but a cup on a counter
>    gets HURLED just from the shaking?  Impressive.
 
    Well, when the ground moves, it seems the first thing that 
    happens is the cupboard doors open and spill their contents.
    Dishes, jars of honey, bags of flour hit the floor and create
    a dangerous, sticky, unpleasant mess to clean up.
    
    Toasters, freestanding microwaves and tea pots can become 
    projectiles given enough movement.  If you happen to be frying
    up chicken on the stove when a big one hit, you could be burned.
    Or, a gas line could snap and a single spark could set a fire.
    
    There are all kinds of scenarios but I think you get the idea.
    
    Jodi-
       
    
    

                      <<< Note 677.16 by SALEM::GILMAN >>>
                                -< Impressive >-

<    So small objects get HURLED in earthquakes?! Just from the shaking?
<    I can see how buildings fall, and cabinets fall, but a cup on a counter
<    gets HURLED just from the shaking?  Impressive.
    
    Jeff,

Some dear friends live about 2.5 miles from the epicenter of this last quake.
Tom described it as the most violent shaking he has ever encountered.  He
was literally tossed out of bed, when he ran into his children's room {in the
dark} he ran into their dresser upright in the middle of the room.  Small
unrestrained heavy objects can turn into lethal weapons.  

The most common piece of furniture I've heard of self destructing are 
grandfather clocks!  The heavy weights inside the cabinet start swinging
and do some major damage.  My dad has a theory that true earthquake-seasoned
Southern Californians run straight to their clocks when they hear a 
quake coming. 

Rochelle_who_has_lived_here_38_years!

P.S. Most of us have a chandelier that swings that allows us to predict what
the Richter scale reading will be.

P.S.S.  My engineer husband is impressed with my ability to analyze the 
direction of the quake by what objects fall off which walls.

>P.S.S.  My engineer husband is impressed with my ability to analyze the 
>direction of the quake by what objects fall off which walls.
    
    This is an interesting phenomenon.  In the '89 San Francisco
    quake, my sister who lives in that area lost a lot of stuff
    in her kitchen.  She is one of those decorators that loves 
    to hang wrought iron and glass shelves all over. She has several
    of these shelves in her oversized kitchen loaded with canister
    jars of macaroni, knick-knaks and the like. All of these shelves
    were on the north and south walls. All the food and dishes and
    drawers were on the east/west walls.
    
    In the quake, she lost nearly every dish. Cutlery, glass and 
    condiments covered the floor.  But not a single thing on the
    north/south walls fell. One large Princess House pitcher teetered
    on the edge but never fell.
    
    Jodi-

There is some excellent material on this subject in ABACUS::SURVIVAL