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6 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2025 | How did you survive the EARTHQUAKE drill? By Janis Rice, EPAP PIO On Oct. 16, Sun Lakes residents participated in the Great California ShakeOut. It was just a drill, but what if it wasn't "just a drill?" Would you have known what to do? Let's review. First and foremost, when the earthquake has subsided and it is safe to move, check yourself for injuries. You will be better able to assist others if you are not injured or have received first aid for your injuries. If you can, put on protective clothing to prevent injuries from hazards like broken glass, nails, and other sharp debris. Now, help other injured or trapped people in your home. If necessary, try to find help outside your home. DO NOT move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Most likely, help WILL NOT be arriving for several days or longer. You will be on your own. So next, check around your home. Is it safe to stay in? Is there potential for more damage when aftershocks hit? As you walk around your property, look for and stay clear of fallen power lines, broken gas lines, and/or water/sewer pipes. Leave the main gas valve on unless you smell gas or think it's leaking. It may be weeks or months before professionals can turn gas back on. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard. The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. There could be unseen hazards caused by earthquakes. Stay clear of heavily damaged areas. Unless someone is trapped, do not attempt to move fallen walls, fences, trees, or anything heavy that could cause injury. Look for and extinguish small fires and eliminate fire hazards. Fire is the most common hazard following earthquakes. To avoid a chemical emergency, clean up spilled bleaches, gasoline, or other f lammable liquids immediately. If your home has extensive damage inside and is not safe to stay in, set up your survival area outside. Otherwise, find a safe area inside your home and create your survival space. Now, locate and organize your emergency supplies (go bag, supply barrel, documents and important papers, medication). You need to keep them in a safe, easily accessible location. Make sure you have your medication and/or medical devices readily available. Organize your food and water. Set up your hygiene area away from your main survival space. Listen for updates, information, and instructions on your emergency radio. If the electricity is out, make sure your emergency equipment (lights, radios, and/or medical devices) are charged and/ or you have extra batteries. These may be the only resources or contact you will have for days or weeks. If possible, reach out to your neighbors. Helping them and sharing supplies and resources is beneficial to everyone. When time permits, take pictures and document injuries and damaged property for your records and to share when First Responders arrive. REMEMBER… BEING PREPARED WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE. November is Caregiver Appreciation Month. This is a special time to recognize the dedication of those who attend to the needs of our older adults and residents with disabilities. In the spirit of the occasion, the Riverside County IHSS Public Authority is having a Caregiver Appreciation Event to recognize our valued in-home supportive services caregivers. These individuals change the lives of many by offering a helping hand. If you or someone you know is in need of in-home supportive services, you can contact IHSS at https://riversideihss.org/ or call 888-960-4477 (between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday). Supervisor's Message By Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez EPAP ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP We meet at 10 am in the Multipurpose Room on the third Monday of the following five months each year: September, November, January, March, and May. We strive to bring interesting and informative guest speakers to our meetings to help you keep your animals safe and healthy. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sandy Burgon at (909) 855-0226.

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