Earthquakes, terrorist attacks and other disasters offer no advance warning. They slam into an area, and those who live there are left to deal with the aftermath. The question is, is your community, employer and family ready to deal with a real emergency?
A statewide earthquake drill is scheduled to rumble through Washington 9:45-10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 24. During that time, cooperating radio stations will announce the drill. Those unable to get a drill message from the radio might receive the message via an alternative method to let everyone in a work area know a drill is taking place.
This drill is part of Washington’s Disaster Preparedness Month recently declared by Gov. Chris Gregoire. As such, WSU units are being asked to review their Emergency Response Plans in April, to make sure they are up-to-date, and to encourage all WSU personnel to consider disaster preparedness for both their workplaces and homes.
There are many resources available regarding disaster preparation, including:
• Ready.Gov ONLINE @ www.ready.gov
• American Red Cross, ONLINE @ www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_239_,00.html.
• College students should check out the WSU Emergency Management website www.ba.wsu.edu/em/pdf/StudentInfo3-2007.pdf.
Take the time in April to review and prepare for potential emergency issues. Disasters can strike anywhere and at anytime. By preparing today, you and your family can make it through.
