"WHEREAS, the State of California has experienced numerous earthquakes, including the magnitude 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake on October 17, 1989 and the magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake on January 17, 1994, which resulted in property damage and loss of life; and

"WHEREAS, in the last ten years alone, major earthquakes throughout the state have combined to cause 120 deaths and an estimated $50 billion in reported damage and losses; and

"WHEREAS, most Californians live within 20 miles of a major active earthquake fault;

"WHEREAS, increasing awareness about earthquake safety risks in homes and workplaces and practicing the appropriate preparedness measures could greatly reduce losses from earthquakes;

"WHEREAS, the statewide "Ready to Ride It Out?" campaign is designed to increase public awareness regarding proper procedures to follow before, during and after an earthquake; and

"WHEREAS, during the month of April, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, along with city and county emergency services offices and other governmental agencies, service organizations, educational institutions, and businesses will provide important earthquake safety information to Californians;

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, GRAY DAVIS, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 2001 as "California Earthquake Preparedness Month."

So reads Governor Davis’s signed Proclamation presenting California’s "Ready to ride it out?" campaign. How can we help ourselves and our loved ones? Well, we can start by re-reading our own yellow "Beat the Quake" brochure which we all should have in our files. If not, pick one up at the Neighborhood Watch office at the Library, 2^nd floor. They are also at the City Services desk.

Make sure to check off the things you need to buy, or do (remember fresh water!) Are your medicines fresh? Are your prescriptions up to date? Check the dates on your canned goods, make sure your flashlights have new batteries, and review with your block captains and neighbors how you signal each other. Remember the white flag or towel in front of your house if all is well. When your family and neighbors are settled in, you probably would be interested in helping others.

The big goings on probably will be down at your Community Center. Perhaps you would like to join the Community Shelter Staff in times of emergency for the hours before the American Red Cross takes over. People will be needed to help displaced elderly or disabled persons and unattended children.

Other opportunities exist in communications, first aid and medical, damage assessment, safety and security (transportation and traffic), hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and media and public relations. If you would like to join EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS and would like free training, be sure to call Director Jim Harmon at 538-8148. Have you decided how you want to help? Block Captains are needed throughout Rancho Bernardo. As we all know, Block Captains become emergency workers as soon as a disaster occurs. We all want to help our neighbors. Call NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Coordinator Jacquie Nelson at 538-8148 for more information.

Courtesy RB NEWSJournal
March 29, 2001