BEYOND THE HEADLINES
February 7, 2010
Hosted by ABC7's Cheryl Jennings
This week's episode of "Beyond the Headlines" looks at some stories of survival coming out of the devastating Haiti earthquake. We'll also learn about different steps "you" can take, not "if," but "when" a similar earthquake strikes here in the Bay Area.
Let's get started. A Marin County mother was reunited with her family earlier this month. They survived the earthquake in Haiti together. But then Myriam Kaplan-Pasternak said goodbye to her husband and daughters and stayed behind.
The Pasternaks returned to the Bay Area with photos and videos of their experience. One particular sermon by Father Tristan has been inspiring for the locals, and the Pasternaks believe it may help Haitians living in the U.S. More photos and videos are viewable on the Pasternak's website, as well as upcoming fundraisers to provide relief to the survivors of the earthquake.
The danger of a similar-sized earthquake striking the Bay Area is very high. The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter has some tips on how to prepare for a disaster.
In the event of a disaster, the number to dial is 2-1-1 to learn about evacuation routes, road closures, shelter, medical assistance, and where to get clean water and food. Dialing 2-1-1 helps you find community resources every day, as well as in times of crisis. Dialing 2-1-1 for all non-life-threatening situations frees up 9-1-1 operators to handle more life-and-death situations.
Studio Guests:
Myriam Kaplan-Pasternak
Haiti Earthquake Survivor & Volunteer
http://www.devilsgulchranch.com
Mark Pasternak
Haiti Earthquake Survivor & Volunteer
http://www.devilsgulchranch.com
Emily White
Disaster Preparedness and Youth Services, American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter
http://www.redcrossbayarea.org
Helen Rosen
VP of Operations, United Way of the Bay Area's "2-1-1 Call Center"
http://www.211bayarea.org
Additional Resources
Dial 2-1-1 for local social service resources
