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6 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2026 | Why Shelter-in-Place During & After an Earthquake? By Janis Rice, EPAP PIO e Sun Lakes EPAP team talks a lot about being prepared, having a "go bag" and supplies, and planning evacuation. But we have only talked a bit about sheltering in place, especially during and aer a major earthquake. So, let's start with during an earthquake. Our instinct tells us to run, get out, "ght or ight." is is due to changes that can activate a cascade of stress hormones that produce physiological changes. ey activate the sympathetic nervous system in a manner that triggers an intense stress response called "ght-or- ight." But experts tell us it is safer to "drop, cover, and hold on." is will protect us from becoming unstable, falling down, or being struck by falling objects in and outside our homes. Sheltering in place aer an earthquake is very crucial. Your adrenaline is pumping. Your "ght or ight" response is still activated, and you just want to get outside and see what's happening, if there's damage, or if you should you try to leave. But stopping, taking a breath, and evaluating the situation is the better choice. 1. Are you okay? Check yourself for any injuries. 2. Are your family members, friends, and/or pets ok? Check them out. 3. Is your home damaged? Check for fallen objects, broken glass from windows and/or mirrors, cracked walls, and broken pipes. 4. Do you smell gas, hear hissing from a leak, or see re. If you do, then, and only then, turn o your gas at the outside gas meter. 5. Look outside, around your home, and in your neighborhood. Check on your neighbors, but don't go into their homes unless you know it is safe. If your home is damaged, leave it and nd a safe place to go, even your yard. Find your "stay supplies" and bring them to your location. If the damage is minimal and you can nd a safe place in your home, gather in that place with your "stay supplies." Depending on the earthquake's magnitude, you most likely will not be able to evacuate your home or the area. Roads, bridges, buildings, trees, and other things may be blocking your access, and the damage outside of the community could be worse. First responders may not be able to get to you, so staying in one place is the best way to stay safe. Also, there will be aershocks. ey could cause more damage. You are very fortunate that you live in Sun Lakes Country Club. e EPAP Team and volunteers practice this scenario A LOT! Our Radio Communications team will keep our community in contact and informed. e key takeaway to all of this … Your instinct to ee during an earthquake is strong, but it's oen the most dangerous action. Sheltering in place with "drop, cover, and hold on" is the safest immediate response, according to the Great ShakeOut drills and FEMA guidance. Remember… Being Prepared Will Save Your Life. 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. Learn more about EPAP! EOC Annual Open House Sat., March 5, 10 am - 1 pm In the EOC Building Next to the Sun Lakes Maintenance Yard and Carlos' Golf Cart Repair Supervisor's Message By Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez This month, I'd like to highlight the Office on Aging (OOA) "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG)." This program provides free emotional and practical support to residents aged 55+ raising grandchildren or relatives under 18. Caregiving at any stage of life is a challenge, and this initiative is designed to help navigate the unique challenges of parenting a second time around through short-term case management, peer support groups, and direct resource navigation. The program includes free legal information and assistance. GRG helps residents understand their guardianship status by clarifying child support eligibility and explaining scenarios where grandparents may not be required to appear in child support court. For more info, contact the Office on Aging at rcaging.org/family- caregiver-support, or call (877) 932-4100 (General Office on Aging).

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