Japan Quake Prompts Plan In Case Of California Disaster

American Red Cross is on standby to help with relief efforts after Friday’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and officials are reminding everyone that “the big one” can hit California at any time.

The disaster in Japan was top of mind for instructors at CERT training in Palm Springs. The Community Emergency Response Team training focuses on disaster preparation for individuals and neighborhoods.

According to instructor Rick Cook, after a disaster it might take days for relief to arrive, so the course is aimed to help prepare neighbors to step in and help each other.

“Give them the confidence that they don’t have to pick up the phone and call 911, that they can do some things on their own and that they expand that in their own communities,” said Cook.

The group provides tips and free emergency kit that include a hard hat, safety vest and a flashlight.

Palm Desert residents Joan Scholl and Elda Caraco attended the course and said the disaster in Japan is a reminder for people in the valley.

“It happened, what, 300 miles north of Tokyo, and yet the damage in Tokyo is unbelievable. So, we could have the same thing happen here in our valley,” said Scholl. “There’s a number of other faults down here, too, so we always have to be aware something is going on.”

Scientists have predicted a huge earthquake to strike the Southland for years.

In 2008, the Earthquake Country Alliance launched the Great Southern California Shakeout — an earthquake simulation aimed to help people prepare, respond and recover from the disaster.

The Red Cross played a major role in the simulation.

Local volunteers said they probably won’t be traveling to Japan to help, but they’re on standby in case tsunami waves hit the West Coast.

Kathleen Anamosa, a board member with Riverside County Chaper of the American Red Cross, said the organization is encouraging people to donate money to the country, and the Red Cross to help with future disasters.

“We have to have cots available, blankets. We have shelter trailers around so we can open up shelters when we need to but in order to have that, we have to have funding also,” said Anamosa.

According to Cook, the next CERT training is in May in Rancho Mirage, and in Palm Springs in October.