California alone averages almost 5000 feeble but feelable quakes a year. You never know which of these quakelets will be strong enough to do some damage - or be such a monster that lives will be violently disrupted for a period of time. Since knowledge and preparation are keys to your survival during and after an earthquake or other disaster, you should take steps to become informed. You would also be wise to develop a capacity for self-sufficiency. The ultimate responsibility for your earthquake survival lies with you.
Many people try to avoid thinking about earthquakes because it creates a great deal of apprehension.
As you walk through the process of becoming better informed and prepared, some of your fears may actually increase, while others are laid to rest. Fortunately, intellectual and physical control encourage emotional control and will lead to less stress during the event. This is critical, because during a calamity, your survival can depend on how you cope with emotional stress and shock. If you have thoroughly thought out the possibilities in an emergency ahead of time, this will help you to control your panic reactions, make correct decisions and assist others. La Comunidad Disaster Center Bookstore-a service of Rothstein Associates Rothstein Associates Inc. 4 Arapaho Rd.