Hi David,

Most elementary schools in California have a once a month drill and also ask parents to provide a little disaster kit like the one you described.

I think for little people it is essential to tell them you will get there as soon as you can. But due to traffic it may take some time and not to ever give up hope that you will indeed arrive.

However, the best thing we can teach little people is not to fear earthquakes, but to view this experience as Mother Natures best dance ever. Teach them in advance to notice what is going on at the time and make some notes after so they can tell you everything they heard and everything they saw. This way it becomes a game yet to be played.

I took my kids to Parkfield once in anticipation that a near 6 was going to arrive. I informed them that no one had been killed in an earthquake there, but it would be fun if we could be there when it happened. They were excited. While we did not experience an earthquake on that trip we did encounter one mammoth wild pig on the way in the very darkness of the night. But the anticipation of something that might occur really made the trip special.

Neither one of my children are afraid of earthquakes. When they happen I ask them for a report. I want to know which way their beds moved so I can know which direction the earthquake came from. Then I ask them to tell me if they saw anything unusual. They do report every well.

But as for going to Parkfield in search of the earthquake experience, I'd say go elsewhere. In my numerous visits I have yet to be there when it happened and remain disappointed. :-)

Thanks for posting. I like to hear from people who do live in quake prone areas and hear their personal experiences. After all, it is a novel experience.

Petra