WOMEN’S GROUP
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s soon as the earthquake started, my wife, Kelly, and I rushed to the room where our three daughters were sleeping, scooped them up and ran outside. Although I had grown up in Southern California and had experienced quite a few earthquakes, neither I nor Kelly were prepared for the earthquake that struck Kobe, where we lived at the time, on January 17, 1995. Not only were we unprepared, but we hadn’t thought through what we would do in the event of such a catastrophe. As the hours turned into days, we became aware of the extent of the quake damage. Our home fared better than many and within 24 hours it was transformed into a refugee camp of sorts. Around 30 people lived—without running water—in our home for about a month. The stores were emptied in a couple of days, there was no gas or money at the ATM machines and the roads were completely blocked by debris or rescue vehicles. It was a real mess but reinforced the importance of being prepared. While we didn’t have any earthquake kits, we did have a full pantry of regular food and drinks, as well as a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Some people ask me what I think about those long-life food products, but, frankly, I would have been even more miserable if that was all I had had to eat! Should you ever experience a serious earthquake, you will likely be focused on living through the first few days after the quake while planning how and when to get out of the city. Therefore, I suggest you always keep a full pantry, stocked with plenty of tasty, easily consumed items. Such items as protein and granola bars, juice boxes and puddings are all good. Be sure to store plenty of bottled water, too. Aside from survival kits, plan how your family will meet up if you are separated when the earthquake hits. Figure out how you’ll walk home from work and what routes might be blocked. Leave slippers by the bed (imagine broken glass all over the floor and no lights), secure heavy furniture to the walls and constantly restock your emergency backpacks by the entrance and in the car. ®
programs
Preparing for the Worst by Chuck Grafft
Disaster Awareness Day Sunday, October 25 3–5 p.m. Free American Room, Women’s Group
Yuuki Ide
Grafft is one of the speakers at this month’s Disaster Awareness Day, which also features a smoke house, guidance on using fire extinguishers and tips on surviving an earthquake.
community
Classrooms and Parking Lot Open to the public
november
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WG Board Meeting
Pottery Festival of Mashiko Tour
International Bazaar
Early Pregnancy and Birth Planning
Monthly Program
Mikimoto Pearl Island Tour
WG Joint Board Dinner
Get Acquainted Coffee
Dinner Cruise Tour
Birth Preparation for Couples
New Moms and Babies Get-Together
An interactive community 25