In Case Of Emergency

To comply with the laws of the great City of Los Angeles, my building holds emergency preparedness training once a year, along with a mandatory fire drill. I missed the training last year because of work travel but made a point to attend this year.

I'm sure glad I did because I learned A LOT.

Here are some cool things you should know about surviving a fire or earthquake if you're in a tall building.

• My place is built with a firewall structure. It means fire could burn against the walls of my apartment for 30 minutes without penetrating through to the other side. That gives me at least 30 minutes to get the heck out of dodge in case of a fire -- good news! Especially since the closest fire station is a couple of blocks away and they can be here in 5 minutes.

• When you evacuate your unit, close the door. It helps keep the fire from spreading.

• Smoke is the enemy. I knew it could cause you breathing problems, but didn't think about the fact that it can blind you and disorient you as you're trying to get out. That's also why it's important to stay low to the ground where there is fresh air.

• AVOID THE ELEVATOR AT ALL COSTS. When the building fire alarm goes off, the elevators are programmed to automatically descend to the ground floor. Don't die waiting for the elevator to arrive -- it isn't coming!

• If you're in an elevator when the emergency happens, it won't suddenly fall down like it does in the movies. Elevators are counterbalanced with a weight to keep them from dropping. If they do anything, they're likely to rise to the roof. 

• If your emergency is an earthquake, find a table or desk and get under it. Then hold on to the legs. If the furniture starts "traveling" around the room, you'll go with it and remain protected from falling debris.

• Even though your first reaction might be to evacuate your building after an earthquake, you might be safer inside. Falling debris can injure or kill you, so if you do head outside get well clear of the building and any trees, utility poles, signs or other objects that could fall.

• Having an earthquake kit is important in case you can't evacuate and it should last you at least 3 days. But what happens if you're stuck longer and start running out of water? Check out these creative sources for additional water!

• Check your freezer for thawed ice, etc.
• Fruits have lots of water. A banana has as much water as a full glass!
• Canned foods are usually packed in water.
• If all else fails, the TOILET TANK contains drinkable water -- as long as you don't use any kind of drop in cleaning tables.

In addition to all the great safety info, I also found out my building was built the same year I was born! That means it has lasted a long time already, so with a little additional preparation I'm feeling pretty good about avoiding disaster.

Now to stock up on water so I don't end up drinking from the toilet....