Hi Petra,
Your advice on being prepared even with some simple basic items is extremely important. As teachers, my wife and I found few parents heeded our advice, until Northridge 1994. Being in the middle of it, we were without power and water for over 24 hours. Without a radio or portable TV one can be in the heart of the situation and have no idea of what is happening or what to do. We were unable to drive anywhere for a day or two and there was nothing open to drive to! The parents of our student who were even somewhat prepared, coupled with the students knowledge of aftershocks and what to do, thanked us all over the place. They said that having some control of the situation made the rest easier to handle.
As teachers, my wife and I also had supplies in our car including heavy shoes, glasses and any simple medication needed. As teachers we could be held for 72 hours or longer in an earthquake emergency.
As a science teacher, preparedness was part of my class. I feel strongly it needs to be part of all school curriculums.
Bob Baum in Woodland Hills