Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Earthquake Survival with Kids

A couple of days ago, we had a small earthquake, around 4.something. It was a nice one, as far as earthquakes go. We could definitely feel it but it wasn't scary. It was like being on a short ride...back and forth, back and forth, is it over yet?

I've experienced earthquakes with the kids before, and I quickly gauged that this one wasn't worth the trouble. However, the husband did not know this. After finally realizing that it was indeed an earthquake (about 3 seconds long), he yelled for the kids to come into the kitchen. One child did not hear him, another kept playing in the bedroom, a third continued sitting on the couch. So he hollered again. Same results. Finally he went chasing after the kids in the bedroom. They were surprised to see him. "We didn't hear you Daddy." Because they have extremely selective hearing. Either that or a gigantic ball of wax in their ears. Probably both.

He dragged all of them into the dining room to the table. The baby protested, kicking and pulling the entire way. Finally they all made it safe into the dining room. Five minutes after the earthquake was over.

I'm hoping that the Big One won't come soon because (cue Sid from Ice Age 2) we're gonna die! We do have a teeny shot, though, thanks to the husband who brought home M&M's yesterday. Our plan is to scatter them all under the table next time. Not only will it get the kids running under the table, but it'll be part of their survival food. Actually, as of now, it's their only survival food.

Next on my to do list: prepare earthquake survival kit.


2 comments:

Helene said...

I love the bit about the M&M's....that made me laugh outloud!!

I've only experienced 2 minor earthquakes in the whole time I've lived in CA. It definitely is a wierd feeling!!!

Morgan said...

I can't even imagine having to be ready for an earthquake at any time.

The last time I was in California, I was SO scared of an earthquake happening. Wouldn't you know that that's exactly what took place on my trip- an earthquake and lots of nice aftershocks to go with it. Not an experience I'd like to go through again!