 The following video is approximately eight 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. I'm the Director of Access and 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 earthquakes. 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. Host and Office. 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 simulations are for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Girls sitting together using sign language at home. Simulated earthquake. Girls crawl under table. Monmans in room sign. Girls, you okay? You okay? It's fine. It's all done. Yes. Yeah? Mother pulling girls out from under table. It's okay. Ow. It's with my ear. Host with interpreter, mother and girls in same room. So is this kind of scary? Girl signing. Translator interprets. I acted in self-affirmation mode. Sister, were you scared? Me? And Ellie? We're scared. You were scared? Girl signing. Translator interprets. And when the bookcase fell down, I was scared. Yes. And so when there's an earthquake, what are you supposed to do? I would go under a table or something else. That's right. You want to first go under something because you're never enough, the books are falling and it might hurt you. And then mommy will come get you. What have you told them? Don't hide. Because mommy can't voice because you can't hear mommy say your name or call you and I'm going to be scared if mommy is looking and can't find you. New scene. Boy comes into home, locks the door, drops back back on floor, goes to TV monitor, turns it on and sits down on chair in front of screen. Boy uses sign language to talk to his mother on TV screen. On TV screen using sign language and speaking. Oh good. Okay. Sorry. I'm a little bit late. I'll be home soon. Bye-bye. I love you. Boy turns off screen with remote, gets up and walks into kitchen. Earthquake begins. Boy gets under kitchen table and covers head or bones. After earthquake dissipates, the boy texts on phone. Cell phone. No service. The scared boy runs back into room with TV monitor. It won't turn on. Boy runs back into kitchen and goes under table with cell phone. Close-up of cell phone. The boy texts aren't being delivered. Title card, 20 minutes later. While still under table, boy receives a text from his mother. Are you okay? Go to neighbors. I'm on my way. Host with interpreter boy and mother in kitchen. Was that scary for you? Interpreter signs. Boy via translator. Yeah, it was. What was scary about it? Because it could be potentially dangerous and painful. Mom, what message would you like to give to other parents who may have a child who is deaf or hard of hearing? To teach their kids that they can't just be dependent on technology because during a bad earthquake, that's going to fail. So we arranged for him to go to a neighbor. And after this shaking stops, he goes to the neighbor's house. He would know and they know a little bit of sign language and then go back and pick him up there. 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. Act 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, 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, 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.