I began this blog to help everyone take one or two steps to become just a little better prepared for emergencies. And I still believe in the value of those small steps that help us through life’s catastrophes. But. But what has happened in Japan in the past four days — unimaginably strong 8.9 earthquake;…
Category Archives: Earthquake
Vacationing in Earthquake Country? Pack These Tips
Are you planning a trip to earthquake country? Wondering what to do if you experience an earthquake in an unfamiliar place? Here are a few pointers to help you prepare for that unlikely event. Bring some things from your emergency supplies at home. Here a just a few items to tuck into your carry-0n: A…
More Lessons Emerging From New Zealand’s Latest Earthquake
Early Wednesday afternoon local time a devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s second largest city, Christchurch. The city has been suffering numerous smaller quakes, sometimes called aftershocks, since a major earthquake last September, and I have posted several items from my friend and Christchurch resident Wendy Davie, who has endured every day of it, sometimes…
The Most Important Emergency Supply
It’s not the first-aid kit. It’s not the roadside flares. It’s not your cellphone. The thing that everyone needs, every day, no matter what, is water. Emergency officials recommend having one gallon of water per person or pet for each day. And they recommend storing enough for three days at a minimum, and up to…
Guest Post: What the 7.4 New Zealand Earthquake Felt Like
Today I’m really happy to share with you a post by my New Zealand organizing colleague, Wendy Davie, owner and organizing guru at Totally Organised (yes, in New Zealand it’s spelled with an “s” rather than a “z.”) Beginning Saturday, September 4, when a magnitude 7.4 quake struck near her home city of Christchurch, in…
An Insurance Professional Talks About California Earthquake Insurance for Homeowners
If an earthquake damaged your California home, do you have insurance that would allow you to rebuild? Yesterday I sat down with Brian Seto, a Farmer’s Insurance agent in South San Francisco, for a quick refresher course in earthquake insurance for California homeowners. He had some information and tips to share to make the subject…
Another View of What an Earthquake Feels Like
I’ve shared before some first-person experiences and scientific descriptions of what it feels like to experience an earthquake. Then at the Oakland Museum of California I found this quote, which added a little more flavor to the conversation. “(The 1906 earthquake shook) from north to south, and the only description I am able to give…
Today's earthquake isn't Washington DC's first
Today’s 3.6 magnitude earthquake was not the first one felt in the US capital. According to the US Geological Survey website, President John Quincy Adams recorded the following diary entry over 180 years ago: March 9, 1828. There was this evening the shock of an earthquake, the first which I ever distinctly noticed at the…
Disaster Preparation at Work
If we work regular office hours, we spend at least a fifth of our lives at work; the business owner and key employees may work much more. Whether owner or employee, it makes sense to devote some thought to emergency planning. Here are some tips to keep you, your employees, and your colleagues safer in…
The Safest Place in a Quake
Several years ago I was working on a long-term consulting assignment at a San Francisco Bay Area office when the building was jiggled by a small earthquake. The man with whom I was speaking ran to the nearest doorway, dragging me with him, and plastered his tall, strong body into the metal door frame. I…