Quakes serve as a wake-up call for some Coachella Valley residents
As a board member for the volunteer group “Cochella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network, Carla Sullivan-Dilley of Palm Desert appears to be well-prepared for any major event, whether quake, flood, or power outage.
But, she has significant concerns for most others who call the valley home.
“There is a lot of preparation that should be going into every personal plan,” said Sullivan-Dilley.
In the hours following last week’s quakes, the safety advocate says she received several calls and Emails from a number of friends, and professional contacts in the valley asking for her input on their own preparedness.
Meanwhile, three valley “big box” stores we checked with all report a sales spikes in quake-related supplies, with people buying water, batteries, lights, straps for securing furniture, and more.
“I’m sensing there is urgency, there is sincerity, they’re very concerned,” said Lowe’s Sales Associate Tim Anderson
Anderson says the store’s earthquake kits sold out Saturday. With Lowe’s for 11 years, he previously worked as a forensic technician in the Bay Area, where he responded to damaged homes when the earthquake struck in Loma Prieta. He also helped people who were injured.
Anderson says on Sunday he finally got serious about preparing himself, and spent about $400 on quake-related supplies.
“I probably had the false sense that this is the United States, we’ll be okay,” said Anderson.
With regard to preparing your own supplies and emergency kit, Sullivan-Dilley says recent “kit advancements” include higher power LED lights, which remain charged while plugged into an outlet, canned “emergency water” like “Blue Can”, which comes with a “50 year” shelf life. Also, for electronics, consider a solar-powered charger.
“The time to take action was yesterday, because if it happens right now, you’re still not prepared,” said Sullivan-Dilley.
The safety advocate, who was once responsible for disaster preparedness for the City of La Verne, says right now, people should be “lined up” at valley big box stores, purchasing what they need to be properly prepared, and having enough supplies at home to survive for not just 48 hours, but up to one week in the event of a major disaster.
“I’m going to say that a lot of people think it’s not going to happen to me,” said Sullivan-Dilley.
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