 The following video is approximately 6 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 and Wheelchair. Hi, I'm Richard DeVelder, Chief of the Office of Access. I'm here to discuss some functional needs at 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. Office during earthquake. 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. It 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 can 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. Post in office. 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 simulations are an example of what could happen in the event of an earthquake for a person who is blind or low vision. Blind woman on phone. Hi there, I'm calling about the document I just received. I want to make sure it's the latest version. It is cubicle with sight dog on pet bed. Earthquake. Oh, earthquake. Ninja, come! Baskets and folders, walking shelves. Come on girl! Come on! It's okay! Come on, ninja! Sight dog crawls under desk with woman. Good girl. Good girl. Good girl. Woman and dog get out from under desk. Host at women's cubicle. How'd it go for you and Ninja? It went well. It was a good experience. What is the message you'd want others who are blind or have a vision? I want people to be prepared. I want them to have a plan and be ready to act on their plan. And also make sure you include in the plan service animal. Definitely. Can't forget your service animal. New scene. Man walking out door with sight seeing dog. I think it's an earthquake. He cowers down over the dog and covers his own neck with his arm. It's okay. It's alright. I think it's over. Your glass, we gotta go. Man and dog walking past glass on sidewalk and toward down parallel. Stop! There's a downed power line! Man and dog stop where they are. Host with man and dog outside building. What is the message you want to give to others who are blind or have low vision when they're out in public and earthquake hits? Well, there's three things that come to mind. Number one is to take cover. Try to get yourself and your service animal and take cover. Cover your heads. Number two would be to make sure that you hold on to your service animal in case they are scared and that way they don't run away. Number three would be to as soon as everything settles down to try to get to a safe location and definitely ask for assistance if you need it. Host in office. 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. Ambulance. Act as if no one is coming to rescue you. You are in charge. A simple buddy system is not enough. Lady helping man in wheelchains. 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. Man drags himself on foot. Would you need to evacuate or shelter in place? Use texting on phone. What if technology fails? What if the power goes out and you no longer have cell service? Then what? 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. Emergency items. In your plan, don't forget to build an emergency kit with essential items you need to keep with you. Backpack being put in closet. This includes medications. Pill bottles. Any consumable medical supplies. A whistle. Whistle. And something very important. Thumb drive. A USB drive that includes important documents. Driver's license. Like your most recent medications, 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.