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It’s October 20, you look at the person next to you and the ground below you begins to shake. Is this an earthquake? What do you do? Chabot is participating in the Annual Great California Shake Out along with 7.8 million people across the state.

Frank Ramos, the manager of Emergency Preparedness and Workplace Safety for Chabot and Las Positas Colleges, has registered Chabot on www.shakeout.org to participate in Alameda County.

According to the website, the statewide drill is scheduled for 10:20 a.m., but Chabot will start its drill at 9:45 a.m. “I talked with the administrators and deans, and students are out at 10:20 so they can go to their next class.  So they suggested we do it at 9:45, while students are in class, so [students] can really participate,” Ramos said.

Per Ramos the AlertU system, which students can join by texting “Chabot” to 253788, uses our school media like the radio and television departments to send out messages on the air and on the campus televisions.

“The on-campus emergency phones students use to call campus safety also have speakers.  Throughout the campus there will be messages saying, “This is a drill.” Then we will evacuate the campus,” Ramos said.

The staff is also prepared for an earthquake. “Most of the administrators, faculty, and staff have gone through the SEMS and NIMS training. The Standard Emergency Management System and the National Incident Management System classes are state and federal trainings on what to do. I teach preparedness classes on flex day and at orientations. We also have an emergency procedures handbook.” Ramos said.

But what do we do?  The website www.earthquakecountry.info says to drop, cover and hold on during an earthquake. The site also has great links for what to do in various locations, like if a quake hits when you are in bed or at a movie theater.

For more information on Chabot College’s emergency procedures, visit

http://www.clpccd.org/emerinfo/default.php

National Preparedness Month Flier

September is National Preparedness Month, which is meant to encourage all Americans to take simple steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones in the chance of an earthquake, fire, or other catastrophic disasters.

Ad Council, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Citizen Corps jointly sponsor National Preparedness Month, now in its seventh year of existence.

The federal government has created the website Ready.gov as a one-stop location for tips on how to make a survival kit, devise a plan for communication after the fact, and stay informed of all the latest developments.

According to Ready.gov, a survival kit should consist of a minimum of three days’ supplies. Essential items to include are three gallons of water, one per day for drinking and sanitation, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, preferably with a weather band so that important information transmitted over the Emergency Broadcast System could be accessed at any time, a flashlight with batteries, and a first aid kit.

It would also be a good idea to add, among other items, a wrench or pair of pliers to shut off the gas or water mains, extra layers of clothing, a dust mask, and local area maps. Ready.gov has a much more comprehensive list of items recommended including advice for families with small children or with pets.

One interesting item not listed on the disaster preparedness sheet is a car power inverter. Running via the cigarette lighter it provides 12 volts of power – enough to power a laptop, portable radio, cell phone charger, or rechargeable power pack.

Power inverters start at around $25 and go up but could be immensely handy if the power is off for a considerable period of time. Some newer model vehicles may have a 12V, three-prong output already built in so individuals should make sure to check their owner’s manuals.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to ensure that family and friends have a plan to meet at a pre-designated place in case of emergencies. Telephone service may be compromised, so emergency text message systems or social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, may be the only available forms of communication.

According to an American Red Cross survey released this summer, 1 in 5 adults would attempt to contact responders through e-mail, social networking, or through a website. As a result, it’s worth ensuring that everyone in the family from the grandparents on down at least know how to compose and send an e-mail or text message.

Ready.gov has links to downloadable PDF files of all the information needed, including printable, foldable checklists and wallet identification cards for children and adults. CitizenCorps.gov also provides online training courses in a variety of subjects, including citizens’ guides to disaster preparedness and official FEMA emergency management programs.

Residents of the Bay Area also have access to the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, which has developed partnerships with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations. Supported by its 2,000-strong volunteer network, the chapter provides training in CPR, first aid, and disaster preparedness throughout the community.

For more information visit www.bayarearedcross.org, ready.gov, listo.gov, citizencorps.gov, or call these toll-free numbers: 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO.