Disasters are inevitable, the outcome is up to us

Will the next large disaster end in tragedy or be a showcase of resiliency?

The answer will depends on our ability to create a community that:

recognizes that structures need to be safe, and provides resources to help update older structures as building standards change.

What percentage of the buildings in your area has buildings designed to withstand earthquakes? Most of our area has the policy that seismic design only needs to be adopted in new construction, not older buildings (ie the ones most likely to fail)

recognizes that everyone will have a role in disasters, and actions now can increase the number of people who are free to help, and reduce the number of people who need help.

When the next major disruption happens, everyone affected will be responding to the disaster. Too many people have the feeling that preparing for disasters is someone elses job, the Red Cross, the Emergency Management agency, or police, fire and Emergency Medical Technicians. The problem is, the general population vastly outnumbers any and all emergency responders, particularly since the emergency responders are impacted by the disaster too-anyone waiting their turn to get help can end up waiting for a very long time--and being very angry at the responders who usually were working as hard as is humanly possible (and then some) Don't be angry, be prepared.

has the ability to quickly restore communication, electricity, water and transportation routes. Public Utilities and Transportation agencies have an important role in creating networks and systems that can endure multiple types of disruptions, the general public has a role in ensuring that the funding for projects to improve the networks and infrastructure vital to the safety of our community. We also need to recognize that because it takes time to restore these services, it is logical to have as many alternatives as possible to do without until they are restored.

has the ability to get back to work as fast as possible. Organizations need to have alternate ways to communicate, access and record data, maintain the ability to deliver services. To ensure this can happen, organizations need to do some planning in advance.

There are so many informational resources to help bring about full resiliency, we have done our best to gather as many as we can, so you don't have to look for them.

Becoming Prepared

Want to get started?

Getting Ready for Disasters can be done in 3 easy steps

1. Make a Plan: Assess Your Resources and Risks

Most people are more prepared and less prepared than they realize. Meaning: most people have lots and lots of resources to use in a disaster, they just don't realize it-and most people have lots and lots of things they are have done that make things tougher in emergencies-shelves that will fall in an Earthquake, paper towels holder right next to the stove. Good news is that it's pretty much free to gather what you already have and to make the inside of your house safer! The Disaster Wiki has a lot of information that can help you, click here to start!

2. Build a Kit: Fix the resource gaps and lower the risks (there are always ways!)

OK, you've got a flashlight-but no batteries. You've got a water heater, but it's not strapped to the wall, so it won't fall in an earthquake, or you now realize that you live or work in a spot that faces really high risk. Some of the solutions will be pretty easy: gather a few extra supplies with every shopping trip. Some solutions can be pretty tough: deciding that the risks are high enough you need to relocate or get a new job even. Just knowing where the gaps in your safety are makes you safer--and once you know, you will see that there are lots of programs that can help you, and that there are always choices. Click Here to See Ways to Reduce Risks!

3. Get Involved!

We all need to work together to make sure we are all, each and every one of us, ready for disaster. Since we know that some people simply don't have the emotional energy and time to take steps to get ready, we need to work together to find ways to make sure they will have access to help when it's needed. How? Well, you can take steps to get others prepared, widening the net of people that can help others. You can get your organization ready to endure a disaster and reach out and help others. You can volunteer to help others during and after emergencies. Click here to learn more!