Dateline extra! Emergency Preparedness

After the Disaster

What you can do:
• Safety Training
• Staying Connected

What Cal State Northridge found especially difficult were the weeks and months after the disaster.

"When the event hits — whether it's an earthquake, fire, whatever — everybody tends to band together," Erickson explained. "But as time goes on, things can really start getting rough."

For the university, a critical need was to be able to offer classes. Registration had already taken place before the earthquake hit ... but class lists and other important documents couldn't be accessed. Buildings where records were kept were off limits.

Staff members worked diligently to assure students that classes would be held. Four weeks after the quake hit, classes began.

Some were held outdoors under a tree. Others were in tents and trailers. On the first day of "class," 24 information booths were set up to direct students to classes — a difficult assignment when there are no posted room numbers. Some directions consisted of instructions such as, "Go behind the dumpster, turn right at the walkway and walk past two trees."

Although a small piece of normalcy came with classes, there were still difficulties. Lectures contended with noise from construction as well as nearby classes. It was often cold ... and sometimes rainy.

"I think the greatest frustration was the lack of control," Erickson said. "Most people were patient and understood the problems, but others were angry and frustrated. Many people had not only problems on campus, but also had homes that were damaged. We saw more illnesses. It was a challenging time."

For 18 months, Cal State Northridge held classes in temporary classrooms. Enrollment dropped. Faculty and staff morale eroded.

• Why Disaster Planning?
• Questions to Help you Plan
• Are you Prepared?
• The Crisis Happens

"You have to expect problems and realize it will take a long, long time before you have recovery," Erickson said. "Some folks were simply overwhelmed and not able to deal with the ongoing problems.

"I compare disasters to a bull ride. You practice and learn from others. You take steps to minimize the risks. You prepare and study hard ... but a smooth ride is not always an option."

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