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- Health Slideshow
- Health Slideshow
Moments after we felt the unusual movements of an earthquake in our New York City office and were told to evacuate, we grabbed bags, phones, water bottles, shoes, pictures, anything that was “ours” (one staffer even hauled away an irreplaceable painting). We tried to keep our cool but you could sense the panic in the air -- we didn’t know where to convene (and cursed ourselves for not paying more attention during those fire drills). We didn’t know who to call. People were running.
Sure, it all seems a little overly dramatic now (there were no reports of major injuries or damage) but it got us thinking: We don't know what to do in an emergency.
Time to stop putting off those contingency plans. What else did we realize?
1) Things can be replaced. Lives cannot. We're so happy it looks like everyone is OK. An overwhelming majority of you told us on Facebook that you would grab your family and pets above all else in case of an emergency.
2) Calm is key.
3) Buildings are supposed to move during an earthquake.
4) Always pack your flats!
5) Make sure you know how to contact loved ones without cell phones.
6) You might not be able to make a phone call but you'll likely be able to get news from your Twitter feed or update your Facebook status!
7) The other rumor that shook the East Coast (about Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith splitting) is not true.
8) The first thing we would grab upon returning to the office is chocolate.
9) We will sleep better if we turn our phones off vibrate tonight.