Earthquake Driving, Disaster Safety & Creating Your Own Car Disaster Kit

My friend Elaine Masters: entrepreneur, speaker & owner of Drivetime Yoga www.DrivetimeYoga.com, wrote an appropriate newsletter after yesterday's earthquake. You've heard of & probably have (I hope) a Home Earthquake Disaster kit.  Here's information on creating a Car Disaster kit!  Elaine's really nice & I know you'll like her.

I was returning from an Easter trip on Sunday afternoon when the earthquake hit. Although we were in a parking lot at the Long Beach ferry terminal, you could feel the ground roll. At first, I dismissed the shaking as part of the terminal docking machinery.  We learned what actually happened while driving home. The freeway suddenly seemed ominous and I realized how little prepared I was. In this issue, I'm focusing on preparing your car so you'll be better prepared even miles from home with your disaster kit in the trunk.

Take care of Number One first: If you find ever find yourself in an emergency situation with your blood pressure spiking and your mind racing out of control, try this calming breath technique to relax and ground. You can be a beacon for your family & friends in a dire time.

Alternate Nostril Breathing:
1. Try this with your eyes closed if that's safe and comfortable, but it also works with your eyes open. Begin on an inhale.
2. Place your right thumb on your right nostril and blow out the left nostril.
3. Then inhale through the left, then place the middle finger of your right hand on the left nostril.
4. Release the right nostril to exhale.
That is one cycle. Repeat for 5 to 10 minutes to restore balance and calm.

Disaster Preparedness: FEMA has a great disaster safety brochure that's available online. Their suggestions for driving during an earthquake include:

Stop as quickly as safety permits, pull to the side of the road and stay in the car.

Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires.

Do not attempt to drive across bridges or overpasses that have been damaged.

Proceed cautiously after the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and bridge damage.

If you are on the coast be aware of possible tsunamis, drive inland and to higher elevation. Avoid parking in low lying areas.

Do not use your car, unless there is an emergency. Do not go sightseeing through areas of damage. You will only hamper the relief effort. Keep streets clear for the passage of emergency vehicles.

For more suggestions to make your trip enjoyable and safe take Drivetime Yoga and Flytime Yoga along. Learn more...

Happy travels!

Elaine Masters, RYT, speaker & author

Speaker, author, creator of products for business travelers, office workers and commuters. www.DrivetimeYoga.com, Amazon.com and Baker & Taylor Distributors wholesale. Flytime Yoga and Drivetime Yoga are registered trademarks. All rights reserved. Copyright 2010, The YoGo Project.

Creating Your Own Car Disaster Kit

You can create your own Car Disaster Kit tailored to your families' needs and tastes. Your kit may contain: Kitty litter or sand bag for slick road conditions (especially in winter) Jumper cables Inflated spare tire Cotton gloves with traction dots and heavy duty gloves Jack - make sure it's always in the car Extra windshield wiper fluid Reflective safety vest and reflectors for the road to avoid accidents while fixing car All purpose medical kit Hammer Whistle Flashlight Blanket Extra bottles of water (only buy PET safe bottles to avoid plastic contamination) Protein, granola bars and nuts Napkins, wipes Extra batteries Extra essential medications, toothbrushes, small soaps & shampoos, towel and toilet paper. Other great links: Great online list from Edmunds to create your own roadside emergency kit.   AAA Severe Weather Kit review Martha Stewart video on Preparing Your Own Car Safety Kit Remember to breathe deeply, stretch often and stay well with Drivetime and Flytime Yoga. More about the Flytime Yoga Booklet & Passport Wallet.