Dear Readers,

In just a bit over two weeks, in the space of 6 hours, you have an opportunity to jump-start disaster preparedness. The event is the Earthquake / Disaster Readiness Expo. The Expo is being held Saturday, December 3rd 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.at the at the John Muir Inn, in Napa. .

If you’re prepared for disaster, you can react more quickly, safely and decisively to a number of situations that can arise in a heartbeat.

1. You hear the hiss and smell of natural gas, should you turn off the gas or run? Do you know where and how to turn off the gas?
2. Lamps have fallen over in an earthquake, is it safe to touch them? Should you unplug them or turn off the main breaker?
3. You must evacuate, should you leave your pets behind? What should you take with you, if there is time?
4. You smell natural gas, is it safe to flip a light switch?
5. Water is running down the street from broken water pipes. Should you turn off your water? Does this mean that sewer pipes are also broken? Do you know how to protect your home from massive sewer backups that happen after disasters?
6. Electricity has been out for 4 days. Is it safe to eat food from the freezer? Burglars are taking advantage of the situation. How can you protect your home?  Are candles safe to use for extended periods?
7. Phone, cell and internet services are out. How can you communicate with family members, friends or neighbors?
8. Some roads are damaged and impassible. Do family members know where to go if they can’t get home?
9. You’re running low on water. What is the safest method of water purification? What water sources are safe to use, safest to purify?

LEARN essential skills and information from live demonstration and presentations, such as how to:

• purify water
• handle utility emergencies
• shelter in place
• use safety. self-defense, and earthquake protection devices
• fight a fire
• select worthwhile lighting, communication, sanitation, first-aid, food and water supplies

SEE what’s inside those off-the-shelf 3-day “Go” bags and First-Aid kits, and if they’ll really take care of your needs

TASTE 3 brands of emergency food bars and, 5 year shelf life water
BUILD 3-day “Go” bags for yourself, family members or for gifts – we’ll have the carriers and supplies

PUT TOGETHER your own disaster plan with the comprehensive documents we provide

PARTICIPATE in a 2.5 hour lecture that’s full of stories, historic photographs and lessons from past disasters

$60 fee includes lecture, demonstrations, Defying Disaster’s preparedness documents including communication, reunification, utility emergency, medical information and pet plans, 3-day “Go” bag supply lists for home, car, school and work, and a Defying Disaster tote bag.

$10 discount for prior Defying Disaster workshop participants, full-time students, seniors over 65, and individuals from the same address. Scholarships are available ($20 full cost).

For details and to save a place, call 707-255-7146. I hope to see you there.