 The following video is approximately five minutes long and includes audio description for people who are blind or have low vision. Title card. This presentation was prepared under federal financial assistance provided by FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Points of view or opinions expressed in this video are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of policies of FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Title card. Cal OES Logo, Governor's Office of Emergency Services, host in Wheelchair. Hi, I'm Richard DeVelder, Chief of the Office of Access and Function. I have the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. I'm speaking to you today from the California State Operations Center. The typical response during an earthquake drop cover and hold on may not be the right choice for those of us who have disabilities or are older adults with other functional needs. Earthquakes strike suddenly without warning and they can occur at any time of the year day or night. Nearly every state and territory in the United States is at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes. In the event of a major earthquake, the damage it can inflict could include power outages and down power lines, gas leaks, fires, broken windows, and falling objects which are dangerous for everyone and could be a greater threat to people with disabilities and older adults. We must plan for our response as if no one is coming to rescue us because they are not. It is unrealistic to believe that there are enough resources for everyone to receive assistance. Those of us who have disabilities or are older adults need to adapt earthquake preparation and response as the decisions we make could save our lives. The following simulation is for individuals with mobility needs. What message would you like to give to others who have mobility disabilities? Well I'm pretty independent but this whole experience has taught me that I may need to be a little bit better prepared and get to know my neighbors better. Yes it's very important for your neighbors and those around you most of the time know how to assist you in an emergency. We have just seen an example of how a person with a disability or older adult should respond during an earthquake. Have you thought about this scenario and made preparations for what you would do? Let's always remember that we are not helpless and we can take control of our plan and our response. Practice as if no one is coming to rescue you. You are in charge. A simple buddy system is not enough. We need to build a support team, which include neighbors, coworkers, friends and family. Have practice sessions with them to ensure that they can help you. Know what you need and be able to quickly provide instructions to others on how to assist you. Plan for all disasters. Think about what needs you would have after a disaster. Would you need to evacuate or shelter in place? What if technology fails? What if the power goes out and you no longer have cell service? Then why? If you have a family member with specific emergency preparedness needs, think about all the different scenarios that could affect them. Be realistic. The government does not have enough resources and responders to help everyone. If you need to evacuate, how can you leave the area? What if you cannot independently get downstairs? Do you have family, neighbors or friends to assist you? Practice with earthquake drills. To know it is to do it. Being ready to evacuate or shelter in place is the key to staying safe in an emergency. In your plan, don't forget to build an emergency kit with essential items you need to keep with you. This includes medications, any consumable medical supplies, a whistle and something very important. A USB drive that includes important documents like your most recent medications, a copy of your driver's license or ID, emergency contacts. I really hope you take this to heart. This is about you saving your own life.