Earthquake Disasters in 2025: Human Loss, Economic Damage, and Preparedness

 

quake in the year 2025Right, 2025...  Earthquake.   You must be ready.  Wasn't like 1994, that much is certain.  It's possible that we're discussing something much larger. Look, you need to build a strong foundation, so get good water and canned goods instead of tap water in bottles. And a radio—not some fancy phone that won't work if the power goes out, but a real radio. Need to know what's going on and where the help is, among other things.  The bag for traveling. You must have the go-bag. A first-aid kit, an LED flashlight with additional batteries, a whistle, some cash because ATMs won't work, and copies of important documents are all necessary. Insurance, birth certificates, and everything else in between Better to be safe than sorry, right?   This is not a movie made in Hollywood; rather, it takes place in California. Prepare us, and don't forget about the animals! A leash or carrier, medications if they require them, food, and water Can't just let them deal with themselves.  They're family.   We need to get the kids on board when we discuss family. Show them where the safe places in the house are, such as under the sturdy table or in the doorway, by running them through the drill. Make sure they know how to turn off the gas and electricity, too.   Additionally, it might be time to actually speak with the neighbors. Try to unite our resources and get everyone on the same page. There is power in numbers, right?  We might even be able to set up something like a neighborhood watch after the earthquake to keep people from looting. 'Cause you know they'll be out there.   Ugh.   I get sick just thinking about it. Alright, deep breaths.   Water, the foundation, a radio, a go-bag, pets, children, and neighbors are on the list, which is getting long but must be completed. 2025.   It will show up. We'll be ready.   Or, at least, as ready as we can be.   Now, where'd I put that darn duct tape...?  Yes, duct tape is necessary.  Can fix anything with duct tape, right?   anyway, a temporary solution.  You must acquire the tough, everything-sticking silver. uncovered it! The newspaper stack behind me always makes me want to recycle it. Speaking of old, the dates on those canned goods need to be checked. I don't want to be forced to eat expired peaches while the earth shakes. Additionally, stock and water must be rotated. The rule is "first in, first out."  Don't want to be consuming plastic-flavored water. Yuck.

 Okay, the base.  That is the main problem. Tony, you must contact the contractor. He always claims to be busy, but if I explain that it is for earthquake preparation, maybe he will fit me in. However, you must be firm. Nothing wishy-washy.  "Tony, it's happening in 2025; you need to strengthen my foundation; there are no excuses!"  What I'll say is that.  I just hope he doesn't charge a lot of money.  However, what options do I have?  Isn't security priceless? Even if it means ramen noodles for the next six months.

 Additionally, I've been lusting over the hand-cranked radio at the hardware store.  Costly, but well worth it.  Just in case, solar power is also available. Gotta be able to get the emergency broadcasts.   If there is a tsunami warning, knowing where the aftershocks will occur is essential.  Even though I'm miles inland, I have to safeguard the coastline.  Plus, you can charge your phone with it, slow as molasses, but hey, something's better than nothing.

 The garden follows. Might need to start thinking about growing some food.   Squash, possibly some tomatoes.  Even if I don't have a green thumb, something that's simple to grow.  Fresh food will be a luxury after the big one.  may even investigate purchasing chickens.  Fresh eggs, and they eat the bugs!   Double whammy!  Gotta check with the city ordinances first, though.   I don't want to be penalized for having a farm in my backyard.  And the automobile! Make sure the gas tank and a few additional containers in the trunk are full. And jumper cables.  because you are aware that someone will require a jump. and possibly a shovel. merely in case.  Okay, shovel was added to the go-bags list. This is getting pretty heated. Alright, alright.   Focus.   Deeply inhale. Water, the foundation, the radio, the go-bag, pets, kids, neighbors, the garden, and the car are all getting longer. However, we'll be ready. Perhaps not entirely prepared, but sufficiently prepared. Now, where did I put that horrible list? Yes, on the refrigerator.  Good thing I used a magnet.   These days, everything must be bolted down or it will fall to the ground. I'm coming for you in 2025. With duct tape and a lot of canned peaches. Alright, found the list! Whew.   There, I almost had a brief panic attack. See?   We absolutely need to be organized for this reason.  After an earthquake, especially, chaos breeds more chaos.  And speaking of the fridge, need to make sure that thing's bolted to the wall good.  would prefer it not to fall and crush Timmy the infant.  Not on my watch.

 bringing the list back up. Take a look...garden. Yes, that is a complete undertaking in and of itself. I need to find out what grows best in this climate and what kind of soil I need. This weekend, I might stop by the nursery and talk to the old man who knows everything there is to know about plants. He knows his stuff, even though he always smells like fertilizer and dirt.  And I have to decide where to put it. I don't have a lot of room in the backyard, but I probably could change the area of grass where the dog always pees anyway. Make lemonade out of lemons—or, in this instance, tomatoes out of dog poop. Ha!

 What about the hens? That's a project for later.  Need to construct a coop, learn how to care for them, and deal with the... however, fresh eggs Can't beat fresh eggs.   Furthermore, the kids would adore it.  Little Timmy would undoubtedly be out collecting eggs each morning. However, he probably wouldn't bother to name them all. "Beatrice and Henrietta are in this..." Oy.

 Okay, it's time to hire a contractor. Now is the time to call Tony. I'll be cautious. Take a deep sigh.  Dialing...   Tony, pick it up right away... "Yes, Tony's Construction, Tony here."  "Tony, hey, Frank, it's me, uh.  Are you familiar with Frank Miller? In 2008, you built that patio for me.  "Frank...   Miller...   Patio...   Yes, correct, correct. What can I do for you, Frank? "Look, Tony, I need you to look over my foundation. It's about earthquake preparedness, Tony.   2025.   "They say a big one is coming."  "Frank, I'm swamped," Tony sighs loudly. Everyone is calling me right now to ask about how to prepare for an earthquake. It's the newest trend. For the next six months, I have a full schedule of jobs. "Tony, I understand, but this is crucial. This is my house, my family.   I must complete this. Tony, I'm willing to pay more.  Just name your price."

 (Pause) "Well...   I suppose I could accommodate you. However, Frank, you'll have to pay for it. Good support costs money. "Yes, Tony, I understand. Just come take a look, give me a quote.   I mean it when I say this. My family's safety is on the line."

 "Okay, all right. I'll swing by next week.   Tuesday morning, eight o'clock.   Don't be late.   And always have cash on hand." "Tony, I'll be prepared.  Thanks.   I owe you one."

 (Click.   Tony hangs up.)

 Okay, progress.   Sort of.   Already, I can see my bank account crying.  I did, however, get him to come. Reduce your intake of ramen at this time. Returning to the list.  Neighbors.   Ugh.   That will be unpleasant. I just waved hello in the driveway because I don't really know them that well. But I must complete it. Gotta build that community spirit.

 Maybe I'll bake some cookies.   Cookies are enjoyed by all, right?  Chocolate chip, the universal language of neighborliness.   Okay, adding "bake cookies" to the ever-growing list.

 The talk then follows. You have to be friendly and casual while still conveying your message. "Hey, uh, Barbara, about that earthquake in 2025... you, uh, prepping at all?"   Might suggest we pool resources, share information.   You could even plan a small gathering to discuss emergency plans. A "Survive the Apocalypse" potluck.   Ha!

 Okay, all right. Deep breaths.  taking one step at a time.  Cookies initially.  Then the neighborly chat.   Then, global dominance!  (Just joking. Mostly.)

 Gotta stay positive.   Focus must remain constant. We will overcome this.  We are liked by Californians. We are enduring. We've survived earthquakes before, we'll survive this one too.

 Now, where did I put that chocolate chip cookie recipe? Okay, first, cookies. Identified the recipe! The secret recipe handed down through the generations from Grandma. flour, sugar, butter, and a lot of affection. Going to make a second batch. Can't skimp on the neighborly goodwill.

 started preparing the oven. 375.   Perfect.   Creaming the butter and sugar... gotta get it nice and fluffy.   Like a cloud of sweetness, ready to soften the blow of impending doom.

 I'll make a small flyer about "earthquake preparedness" to put in the bags with the cookies while they're baking. Nothing alarmist, just a friendly reminder to be prepared. Water, food, a radio, and a go-bag are on the list of essentials. Additionally, a brief note on working together as a neighborhood and pooling resources. Gotta plant that seed of community.

 Mmm, the aroma of baking cookies makes the house feel cozy and warm. I almost forget about the approaching earthquake for a moment.  Almost.

 Okay, cookies are done. Golden brown and delicious. After a brief cooling period on the rack, place them in Ziploc bags. Add the flyer, tie a little ribbon around the bag, and voila!   packages for earthquake preparedness in the neighborhood. Okay, it's time to venture out into the wilds of suburban friendliness. Starting with Barbara next door.   She appears to be decent. She makes frequent waves when she is gardening. Hopefully, she is not already a disaster preparedness expert. Don't need any competition in the apocalypse survival department.

 now making my way over to her house. Deeply inhale. Frank, don't be weird. Don't be weird.