A Disaster Preparedness Christmas Poem

The Night After The Earthquake by Sheila Sund, MD

‘Twas the night after the earthquake, and all through the town
all the people were helping with nary a frown.
The bolted up bookshelves and chimneys still stood.
Who knew earthquake proofing would work out so good?

The children were nestled in sleeping bags and sweats
While next to them snuggled their dear rescued pets.
And Dad in his work boots and I in white coat
Were resting a moment and reviewing our notes.

When suddenly around us, there arose such a clatter!
“It’s only an aftershock”, I said. “It won’t matter.”
We hit the floor, rolled under the table.
Drop, Cover, and Hold – whenever you’re able.

We emerged from our tent to the quiet moonlit night
and waved to the neighbors – “everything is all right”.
When what to our volunteer teams should appear -
a supply laden helicopter and a fresh stash of gear.

And a National Guard pilot, so well-trained in his job,
I knew he would land in our field with no prob!
He rapidly touched down; his team – out they came.
They grabbed boxes and equipment and called us by name

“For CERT team, for Watch Captain, for your MRC.
Here are your supplies. What else do you need?”
I replied that our med team wanted transport for three
Dash them to the hospital – surgery I foresee.

As dry dust from debris piles around us did swirl,
the helicopter took off, its rotors awhirl.
We paused for a moment as further they flew,
then I turned to the rest – “We’ve got work to do!”

So then in a twinkling, we returned to our chores,
taking care of the wounded and organizing our stores.
I drew in a calm breath, and then looked around,
amazed with the successes our planning had found.

Our CERT Search and Rescue checked all houses on foot
Helping pets and the people despite dust, dirt, and soot.
Our Neighborhood Watch collected all seniors and tots,
bringing them to safe places in pre-prepared spots.

Our doctors and nurses were acting quite merry
They felt well prepared and no longer were wary
of emergency field treatment, in rain, or in snow.
Triage, advanced first aid, IV meds – these they know!

All the power was off, all the water was gone,
But generators, radios, and lanterns worked on.
We had food stores for weeks – no hungry bellies!
Even treats for the kids, like strawberry jelly.

We may not be chubby and plump when we’re through
But we still should be healthy, thanks to our planning crew.
We can’t drive or use phones, but that’s nothing to dread
We communicate our needs via radio instead.

I return to command, resuming my work,
when the world starts to spin and I awake with a jerk.
It was only a dream! I’m at home in my bed!
There wasn’t an earthquake. It was just in my head.

I sprang to my desk, typed this up with a whistle
attempting to rhyme it in this strange epistle
Now I beg of you all, before saying adieu,
Start preparing today, and my dream could come true!

Sheila Sund, M.D.
Disasterdoc.net
Marion County Medical Reserve Corps