EARTHQUAKE - what to do??

Massive earthquake in Christchurch which is a 4 hour drive from me. My mother lives there and her house is trashed - they are saying to stay away and not to go but I don't know what to do - what would you do??

IF you do go, you need enough supplies to be self suffient. This includes water, food, fuel and sleeping supplies.

mary

Yes true , thanks Mary! Will go get heaps of water etc - husband very practical thank goodness cos I'm a shambles!!

You might want to see if there is anything that she needs too. Like meds, clothes, etc.

I've been in the same situation as you. I live in Dallas, tx and my whole family is in south Louisiana. I've run home more than once after my parents have been hit by hurricanes. I've hauled water and generators there too!

mary

Before going, does your mother need you to come?  Is she injured, without a place to stay, without power/water/sanitation?  And then if you do need to go, check the roads and plan your route to avoid any roads that have been trashed, if you can.  As the previous poster said, find out what she needs and bring it.  Likely flashlights, batteries, water, cash.

Also, plan that additional quakes will occur while you're there/on the way.  If it's reallly bad, my recommendation would be to get your mother and take her back to your place, if that's workable for you both.  Be prepared to pack up a kit, but also the irreplaceable things like photos, as well as glasses, meds, pets and their meds/food.  Unplug or turn off everything that's powered, to avoid fires when the power comes back, and see if you can turn off the gas as well.

That's all I can think of for now.  Good luck, I hope your mother's well!

Gosh, so scary. I have friends that used to live in Christ Church. Saw the reports on the news tonight. If your mom can't live in her home then you must go get her and bring her home with you. The other suggestions about what to bring etc are great. It might be hard to drive through the city. Can you arrange a rendez vous place in the event you can't get to her home? Can you communicate with her and is she injured? Are they providing shelters for those displaced where she could be until you can get her?  By now maybe you are on your way. will be thinking of you. diane

Fabulous advice as usual from our wee community! On our way with loads of supplies on board. 65 confirmed dead already - a massive disaster for our small country. Mum stranded with my 90 year old nana, so on a bit of a rescue mission.

Thanks as usual for support XX

I am so sorry girlie!!  I am thinking of yall and your poor community.

sorry your going through this, so soon after the last one, i hope your family is safe, mine dont live in the south island but my heart goes out to all those that do...

Bless your heart... I have nothing to add what the others have said.... sending tons of love and prayers your way, though  Safe travels.  BIG HUG!