The captain had just made an announcement that there had been an earthquake on the Big Island of Hawaii– about 20 miles off shore from my final destination. I could not believe what I was hearing – I’m an hour away from Paradise and there is an earthquake! At this point, there wasn’t much more information since it had happened while we were about ½ way across the ocean. Because we were this far out, they could not turn our plane around to the mainland. This was good news! The not so good news was for the flights that left the mainland after ours – they were either turned around or they never left – for up to 3 days!

 

Once on the ground in Oahu, and at the gate, everyone was up – eager to get their carry on luggage, when the captain made another announcement. We were informed that because of the earthquake all power to the island was out. This meant there was no electricity to operate the jet ways and so we were told to get comfortable because we would be sitting there for at least an hour – waiting for the mobile stairs. 3 ½ hours later, the stairs finally arrived and we were now free to go sit in the warm airport for over 4 hours while they worked hard to load and unload planes that had stacked up during the day. I think the conditions were better in the plane – where it was air conditioned! We were again – one of the lucky ones to catch the last flight out of Oahu to the Big Island. I wasn’t feeling too lucky however, not knowing what we would encounter.

 

After nearly 10 hours of delays and no food to be found during that time (no electricity in airport = no food as stores and restaurants closed) we were finally on the Big Island. By this time, most of the power had been restored to that Island. Upon check in and inquiring about a place to eat, we were told that restaurants were closed – due to gas leaks and grocery stores were closed because of damage. By this time – something we take for granted, I was beginning to feel helpless. Thank goodness I did have a few snacks that I had packed.

 

The following day we went in search of a grocery store, but they were all still closed – due to damage – and it was at that moment when I saw the sign on the door that it all began to sink in. We were not prepared for an earthquake while on vacation. Normally I would travel with extra water and diet coke – for my first morning way (an essential to me since I don’t drink coffee) – yet because of airline restrictions, that didn’t happen this time.

 

Sitting in the parking lot of the closed grocery store, I began to think about what it would be like when the “big one” they are predicting for Washington hits. Would I be ready? What hadn’t I thought of? What was my plan?
 

 

At home, I do have 8 large plastic bins full of food, pet food, water, spare clothes, toiletries, plastic ware, change, contact information, water proof matches, propane, camping stove, batteries – and yes, even diet coke…just to mention a few things!

 

Yet after my experience, one of the first things I am going to do now that I am home is determine what else I need to do to be prepared – it was a very good reminder.

 

Given the 6.7 magnitude, the damage could’ve been worse than it was. Fortunately, due to the time of the quake, there were very few injuries – as many were still in bed. Had it been just a couple of hours later, it could’ve been much worse as we saw one church that was just a pile of rubble.

 

Ironically, October is “National Preparedness” Month. To help you prepare, I am sharing with you a document called “Limit the Impact – Family Guide to Preparing for Disruptive Events. ” This guide is written by a good friend of mine that I used to work with – Ned Cracolici of Cracolici & Associates. In the guide, some of what you will find includes:

 

·         Purchasing items for your stockpile

·         Infant needs & non-food items

·         Other “stuff” you may need

·         Planning for infrastructure disruptions

·         Power outages

·         Water supply disruption/contamination

·         Clothing needed to evacuate

·         Emergency items in your vehicles

·         Basic medical needs, health supplies/equipment

·         Special needs & refrigerated medicines

·         Much, much more

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