The human devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti has called Pat Hines, Founder and Executive Director of a non profit organization Safe Moves to step up one of her programs, Safe Moves EQ, an earthquake survival solution for California schools.
Safe Moves, founded in 1983 by Ms. Hines after her good friend was killed in a tragic bicycling accident, has been credited with saving thousands of children's lives through education, but also through legislation with new traffic safety laws.
Earthquakes Strike Unexpectedly
USGS Scientist, Michael Blanpied says, "there is no organization, or government or scientist capable of successfully predicting the time or occurrence of an earthquake."
Ms. Hines believes California schools are not ready for the devastation that could be caused by an unexpected disaster like an earthquake. "The state has spent billions to upgrade most of its overpasses and has retrofitted many of its schools...however, a 2002 inventory by the state found 2,100 of the 9600 schools surveyed are 'not guaranteed' to hold up in future earthquakes." she said.
Survival Solution
Preparation is a key survival solution in a natural disaster. The Safe Moves EQ program delivers large storage containers with enough emergency survival supplies to support children and teachers for three days after the disaster occurs.
"The food meet vegetarian and kosher requirements and exceeds FDA requirements for vitamins and minerals," says Hines. "Water is purified and packaged for convenience, and everything has a five-year shelf life."
Health safety is supported with the inclusion of waste bags. All containers are secure and fire resistant and easy to transport.
Safe Moves EQ Minimizes Trauma
Julia Wooldridge in her Suite101 article, Earthquake Preparedness for Children, writes, "A major earthquake...can be very frightening and traumatic for children. They may become very anxious, confused and not understand what is happening or what they should do next."
Safe Moves' mission includes keeping children safe from physical and emotional trauma. Hines says, "The California Education Code requires public and private schools, K-12 to develop emergency plans and to conduct "drop, cover and hold" drills. However, schoolchildren and their teachers need more than a drill once a year, posters, fliers and "drop, cover and hold" exercises to survive an earthquake."
Safe Moves EQ moves beyond "drop, cover and hold" drills, and gives schools the tools to minimize the traumatic effects of an earthquake disaster.
Earthquake Preparedness through Education
Safe Moves EQ also includes an education program for schools called Earth Moves.
Trained professionals come to the schools monthly to conduct drills and test emergency plans and procedures. The program includes making sure communication systems, evacuation plans and search and rescue activities and first aid techniques are in place and working. They offer education programs for staff and families, also. Nothing is overlooked. Solid preparation is the goal of the program.
Saving the Lives of Our Children
Maureen K. Fleury in her Suite101 article, Top Ten Deadliest Earthquakes in the U.S., writes "Earthquakes occur almost every day in the U.S., though most of them are undetected by the general public. When a disastrous earthquake happens, it is remembered forever."
Safe Moves EQ cannot avoid the inevitability of an earthquake disaster, but the program can alleviate the disastrous aftereffects. "It is best to take precautions now and have an effective plan in place, so that schools are safe for children. Alleviating some of the trauma involved in disaster recovery may save the lives of our children," said Hines.
Safe Moves has been featured on “The Today Show”, “Good Morning, America”, “20/20”, “Dateline” and “Oprah” as well as in the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine and Sports Illustrated.
Sources:
Read more at Suite101: Earthquake Preparedness for Children: Earthquake Safety and Disaster Information for Parents
Read more at Suite101: Top Ten Deadliest Earthquakes in the U.S.: Earth Tremors from 7.9 to 9.2 on the Richter Scale
Rita Andriello - Rita is a writer, spiritual practitioner and a teacher. She was born in New York City, and says she was raised on pasta and Italian opera. ...
