The Great California ShakeOut
The Great California ShakeOut is a very useful way to practice getting ready for a major earthquake (or for any other emergency, for that matter).  It's a concrete opportunity for us to imagine:  "If the Big One happened right now, what would I do?"  And then, for a few moments, to practice doing what we would do.
     The ShakeOut is now the largest earthquake drill in the US--with millions of people participating--and it always takes place on the 3rd Thursday in October at the time in the morning corresponding to the date (10:? am).  This year the 3rd Thursday of October falls on October 18, so the ShakeOut will happen at 10:18 am.  To participate as an individual or an organization simply go to www.ShakeOut.org and register.  The website has a lot of useful information, and a couple weeks following the ShakeOut you will receive an email asking you what you did when the ShakeOut occurred.  You will not be spammed or hassled in any way, but by registering you will assist emergency planners in gaining a better understanding of the state of public preparedness.

The Great Ashwood ShakeOut
At our first meeting we decided that we as neighbors would take part in some sort of earthquake practice on the Saturday following the ShakeOut (on October 20), since many of us couldn't do anything during the work week.  Let's be in touch with each other as the date approaches so that we can decide what we might do.  In the meantime, please try to reserve some time on the morning of Saturday, October 20, so that we can have an activity of some kind--or at least another brief meeting.

SOS Survival Products
A great place not only to buy stuff but also to attend classes in emergency preparedness is SOS Survival Products.  (They've been in business for 27 years, and most of their classes are free.)  The staff is very helpful, never talks down to you, and will answer lots of questions over the phone (800-479-7998).  Even if you never go there, their online catalog is very informative:  http://www.sosproducts.com.  They are located at 15705 Strathern Street #1, Van Nuys, CA 91406 (a 20 minute drive, without traffic, from Ashwood Avenue).  PS:  I am not a shareholder and receive no kickbacks. 

Ken here.  I have a list of Ashwood telephone numbers that I will personally distribute to you in the next few days.

At the present time this is a public blog, so for now please do not post your telephone numbers or any other personal information until notified.

Ashwood Avenue is getting ready for the Big One!  We plan to be resilient through any emergency by being prepared both personally and together as neighbors.  Homes on Ashwood were first built in 1928 and have come through destructive earthquakes in 1933, 1952, 1971, and 1994.  The Big One will be much bigger than any of these, but by planning and preparing together we will be alright.

Neighbors as Authors
Everyone who was at our initial meeting is now a "co-author" of this blog and may post information, links, and photos on this blog.  If you have never used Google Blogger previously, here is a link that will inform you how to http://m.youtube.com/user/BloggerHelp?client=mv-google6