by eamarquardt » Sun May 18, 2008 2:00 am
I don't take toooo much stock in the questions I got wrong. My Uncle Sam taught me that the answer or solution to any situation depends on the terrain and situation.
Having been shaken to my knees while standing in a door jamb during the February 9, 1971 earthquake and experiencing the aftermath of the 1992 (I think, as it wasn't quite the ride for me personally that the 1971 quake was) the "canned" answers don't always apply. If I hadn't jumped out of bed and gotten into a doorway in 71, a large bookcase would have fallen on me and I surely would have been hurt (I was spending the night at a friend's house). Although there was considerable broken glass, it wasn't in the hallways and in the exit route to to front door so getting outside made a lot more sense than staying inside. Also, getting outside in jockey shorts only with nothing around to step on or have fall on you seemed a bit more reasonable than staying inside and getting some pants and sturdy shoes and gloves on. After the sun got a bit higher and things settled down a bit, our sense of modesty did prevail and we went back inside. If I were in a crowded city living in a high rise the "canned' answers might make more sense. In a single story home in the suburbs there may be better options. Think about it an plan ahead.
One thought though. In the MOMENTS after the earthquake the phone system is probably still working and is not overloaded. So, use these precious MOMENTS to call someone outside the area and and have them spread the alarm to others (a prearranged list is helpful) that you are ok (if in fact you are ok, ha). Then when the phone companies start restricting traffic, you will have already gotten word to someone that can share with others your situation. You, however must act quickly! Seconds may count. Having worked for what is now AT&T for 20 years I have some understanding of how things work.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Gus[/u]
The opinions in this post are my own. My comments are directed to those that might like an alternative approach to those already espoused.There is the right way,the wrong way,the USMC way, your way, my way, and the highway.
"I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it." Klaatu-"The Day the Earth Stood Still"
"You can't handle the truth!"-Jack Nicholson "A Few Good Men"
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. The Marines don't have that problem"-Ronald Reagan
80%
Momma didn't raise no fool.
