Bacpacjac ... for me personally my biggest survival challenge will be to try to take care of the kids, old people, and sick during a major emergency in Los Angeles. I am ONLY JUST realizing how difficult this is going to be. If we get a major earthquake, a lot of seniors living in multi-story buildings are going to need help with evacuation or rescue. I honestly don't think there is a coherent plan to help them right now. Also, some kids are going to be wandering the streets with no homes ... maybe because their houses have been destroyed and their parents are dead (or just commuting and a long way from home). It is a really big challenge to figure out how we are going to feed these people and get them some fresh water. I do think that there are a lot of altruistic people in the community - so that helps. But I think many of them are unprepared, not too organized, and may be quite fearful themselves after a major disaster.

I think a big part of the "response" will be to try to keep people thinking positively and constructively. Good mental attitude after a major disaster will be vital.

Pete #2