Your opinion matters/Week #12/Are we prepared for an earthquake?

Earthquake Preparedness: Are We Ready for the Next Big One?

Hey everyone in today’s contest we will explore how a small preparation can turn an earthquake from a terrifying experience into a manageable one.

The ground beneath my feet began a slow, unsettling roll. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but then a bookshelf across the room started to wobble, its contents chattering like teeth. It was an earthquake. Thankfully, it was a minor tremor, a mere tremor of warning. But it left me shaken.

canva

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Earthquakes are totally uncertain it can strike anytime and anywhere without warning. So the threat is a constant in the back of our minds. But are we really prepared for the big monstrous earthquake that seismologists keep predicting.

Last week, my neighbor, Aunty Lata, who's lived here in Delhi since the 60s, recounted with with an earthquake of 3.1 magnitude . Her voice shook as she described furniture flying across the room, the deafening roar, and the chilling sense of helplessness. It was a stark reminder of the raw power these events unleash.

Thinking about aunty Lata's story, I decided to assess my own preparedness. A flashlight by the bed? Check. Bottled water in the pantry? Double check. But what about a designated meeting spot for my family in case phone lines are down? Or a first aid kit stocked for more than a scraped knee? My preparedness plan, I realized with a jolt, was embarrassingly thin.

So, I started searching on website offered a wealth of information. I was putting together an emergency kit with food that won't spoil and a battery powered radio. But the website said there is more to do. It stressed things I have been forgetting, like making sure furniture will not fall over, having a plan for how my family will contact each other in an emergency, and even practicing what to do during an earthquake. Looks like I gotta get on those too!

Talking to friends and family, I discovered a mixed bag of preparedness. Some, like my ever practical uncle, had carefully stocked shelter in their basement. Others, like my co worker Sarah, admitted to having "vague plans" and a half eaten box of granola bars in the back of the cupboard.

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There is a strange comfort in acknowledging the risk together. Earthquakes can be dangerous, but being prepared can prevent losses. It is not about waiting for the worst to happen, it is about taking charge and giving ourselves a chance to fight. Instead of hoping it will not hit, we can take steps to be ready for whatever comes our way.

This weekend, I am planning a family earthquake drill. We will practice dropping, covering, and holding on. We will map out an escape route from our house and designate a meeting spot outside the neighborhood, in case our usual park is inaccessible. It might feel silly, but preparation builts confidence and awareness.

canva

Earthquakes are scary , but a little planning can make a big difference in how we handle them. By taking some precaution steps, by working together as a community, we can handle the earthquake and come out even stronger on the other side. So, are we completely ready? Not yet. But with every drill we practice and every water bottle we store, we are getting closer.

I would like to invite @pea07 , @alfazmalek and @pathanapsana to participate in this beautiful contest .