“People, not kits. If you really want to be ready for the next big earthquake, forget the earthquake kit and go talk to
your neighbors.”
– Lucy Jones, June 12, 2021 Los Angeles Times.

Altadenans have a long history of working together to help one another. Our community has experienced wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes, power outages and, most recently, a pandemic. We have survived these disasters with the help of a strong response system and a sense of resilience. But imagine a disaster of far greater magnitude. Altadena sits on a major transverse fault, ever under threat of a major earthquake, one that could knock out utilities we depend on–water, power, gas, phone. And, no counting on our fire department, power company, water companies, or sheriffs. All of our first responders will be immediately overwhelmed.

When every-day life is completely turned upside down and havoc reigns it will be VERY good to have a plan. This is where Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) can be a life saver, literally. MYN is a disaster preparedness plan for groups of individuals and families in homes in close proximity, and in apartment buildings. 

Here’s how MYN works: one or more people act as “coordinator(s)” for their block or apartment building, and call a meeting of neighbors at their home. An Altadena MYN volunteer is there to explain a basic plan for working together before, during, and after a major disaster. The volunteer goes over basic do’s and don’ts when an earthquake strikes, hands out literature, acts as facilitator, and initiates a group discussion about personal and group earthquake preparation. Typically, 10-20 households attend the meeting where they agree on a location where all who can will gather once the shaking stops. The group will confer and decide on what needs to be done. Some will check on vulnerable neighbors, others may provide first aid, check for gas leaks, listen to radios for emergency information, and do whatever else is needed.

Yes, survival kits are important; we will all need shelter, water, food, and emergency supplies. But as Lucy Jones said, it will be the relationships that will sustain us and hasten our recovery.