Riveted

I work in Emergency Management, and live on the coast of California. Yesterday, after the devastating earthquake/tsunami hit Japan, I spent my day - from the wee morning hours till the afternoon, in our local Emergency Operations Center.

I was there with representatives from Fire Departments, the Coast Guard, the Sheriff's office, county departments of Public Health, Public Works, Social Services, the local mayor, the National Weather Service, the Board of Supervisors representative and many many others.

We were constantly getting updated on the status of the tsunami warning on the coast of California, who was being evacuated, and where they were being evacuated to. We helped to make sure that the right information was getting out to the public, and also helped to make sure that people with special needs were being helped to the best of our ability.

I am very proud of our county. We work so well together. I didn't see any "turf" issues, and watched as we all helped each other resolve situations, whether it was trying to find an after-hours phone number or dissuading rumors.

But it is an adrenaline rush to say the least. Our county faired pretty well, with little damage. I can't say the same for the county to the north of us, and we sent a couple of teams to help them. Nothing, of course, compares to what Japan went through.

My prayers go out to them. I am still so riveted by what is going on, although I am safe in my home.

Please everyone. Get prepared for disaster, and understand what to do when one strikes.