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15 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | July 2015 | July's Tip: What have you done to prepare for the probability of a major earthquake should it occur today or tomorrow? Do you have a plan that includes: 1) Have you visited the Red Cross' web sites: www. preparesocal.org and www.redcross.org /prepare, and are you informed of the best procedures for what to do during (Drop, Cover, and Hold-on) and after (survey your surroundings for dangers (personal injuries, utilities, furniture, broken glass, and structural issues; 2) An Emergency Information document that includes emergency contact information, your health issues, medications, and information about household pets; 3) Emergency equipment such as flashlights, batteries, candles and matches, first-aid kit, enough ready-to-eat food and water for your household for at least one week (two weeks would be better!), current fire extinguishers, half tank of gas in your vehicles, and sufficient medications; and 4) Hard-soled slippers and flashlight by your bed at night (as there is at least a 1-in-3 chance that an event will occur while it is dark!). Why the focus on Earthquake Preparedness, you may ask? If you saw the movie San Andreas you saw Hollywood's take on what "The Big One" might be like. According to Dr.Lucy Jones of the U.S.G.S., there were numerous "theatrical" inaccuracies, but some good information as well. The reality is that of all of the natural disasters that could occur here in California, only a major-magnitude earthquake is the only one that could be massively widespread and cataclysmically disastrous. And, everything that should be done to prepare for one would be useful in the event of any of the others. The EPC (Emergency Preparedness Committee) has started our campaign to prepare Hemet Four Seasons for participation in the "Great Shakeout" exercise, which takes place this year on Thurs., Oct. 15 at 10:15 am. We plan to have several events to increase community awareness and involvement, and sharpen our skills so that this will be the best one ever. Once again, our community needs your involvement. This would require only as much or as little effort on your part as you are willing to invest. There are no minimums of time, experience or training involved. And, recognizing that this is a "Senior Community" there are no real physical requirements — just a willingness to do what you can do. Bruce Cowie, Sharon Schneider, and Larry and Sharyn Hawkins continue to provide training and practical experience exercises to help us all be better prepared. Emergency Preparedness Committee

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