2024年4月12日 星期五

走到 "北濱公園" ~ Look! The Pacific Ocean...

#2024-0412

While Antony and Anita are in Taipei attending the 12th World Anglican Chinese Clergy Fellowship (第十二屆聖公宗華人牧師會), Jean and I stayed at St. Luke's Church in Hualien, helping take care of James and John, who are respectively in the 7th grade and 3rd grade.

A couple of days ago, on Children's Day, we, along with our grandchildren and Antony, visited the mouth of the Meilun River. The adults walked, while the children rode bicycles. Jean and I enjoyed the short walk and planned to continue along the same route, which leads to Beibin Park (北濱公園), also known as the North Shore section of Pacific Ocean Park (太平洋公園北濱段). Today, we carried out our plan after both of our grandchildren went to school.

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2024年4月9日 星期二

防震對談 (Earthquake Talks)

#2024-0409

Mookoo:
How to save yourself and others when a devastating earthquake occurs? Are there any principles that we should keep in mind?

ChatGPT:
When faced with a devastating earthquake, there are several principles and actions to keep in mind to increase your chances of survival and help others:
  1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: This is the basic principle recommended by experts during an earthquake. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall, and hold on until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms.
  2. Stay Indoors: If you're inside a building, stay there until the shaking stops. Most injuries occur when people try to move during the shaking.
  3. Move Away from Windows: Windows can shatter during an earthquake, so move away from them to avoid getting injured by broken glass.
  4. Avoid Doorways: Contrary to popular belief, doorways are not the safest place to be during an earthquake. It's better to drop, cover, and hold on wherever you are.
  5. If Outdoors, Move to an Open Area: Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. If you're in a crowded area, try to protect your head and neck from falling debris.
  6. If Driving, Pull Over: Safely stop your car away from buildings, overpasses, and utility wires. Stay inside until the shaking stops, then proceed with caution.
  7. Have an Emergency Kit: Keep a well-stocked emergency kit at home, in your car, and at work. Include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications.
  8. Know Safe Places: Identify safe places in your home, workplace, and community where you can take cover during an earthquake.
  9. Check for Gas Leaks: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas valve, open windows, and evacuate the building immediately.
  10. Listen to Authorities: Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services. They will provide guidance on evacuation routes, shelters, and other important information.
  11. Help Others: Check on your family, neighbors, and coworkers to make sure they're okay. Offer assistance to those who need it, but prioritize your own safety.
  12. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on earthquake preparedness and response measures. Know the emergency contact numbers and have a communication plan with your family and loved ones.
Remember, preparation is key to surviving and minimizing the impact of a devastating earthquake. By following these principles and taking proactive steps to prepare, you can increase your chances of staying safe and helping others during a seismic event.

Mookoo:
Are you sure that one can obtain more opportunities to save themselves if they follow these principles?

ChatGPT:
Following these principles can indeed increase your chances of survival and help others during an earthquake. Here's why:
  1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: This action helps protect you from falling debris and reduces the risk of injury. It's a widely recommended practice by experts in earthquake preparedness.
  2. Staying Indoors: Most injuries during earthquakes occur due to collapsing structures or falling objects. Staying indoors and taking cover can shield you from these hazards.
  3. Moving Away from Windows: Broken glass from shattered windows can cause severe injuries. Moving away from windows reduces the risk of getting injured by flying debris.
  4. Avoiding Doorways: Doorways are not structurally stronger than other parts of a building and may not provide adequate protection during an earthquake. Dropping, covering, and holding on wherever you are is a safer practice.
  5. Moving to Open Areas Outdoors: Open areas outdoors reduce the risk of being hit by falling debris from buildings or structures.
  6. Pulling Over if Driving: Stopping your vehicle during an earthquake reduces the risk of accidents due to road hazards or collapsing infrastructure.
  7. Having an Emergency Kit: A well-prepared emergency kit ensures you have essential supplies and resources to sustain yourself and others until help arrives.
  8. Knowing Safe Places: Identifying safe locations beforehand helps you react quickly during an earthquake and find shelter from potential dangers.
  9. Checking for Gas Leaks: Gas leaks can lead to fires or explosions after an earthquake. Turning off the gas and evacuating the area can prevent these hazards.
  10. Listening to Authorities: Following instructions from local authorities ensures you receive accurate information and guidance on how to stay safe during and after an earthquake.
  11. Helping Others: Offering assistance to others can save lives and provide critical support in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake.
  12. Staying Informed: Keeping yourself informed about earthquake preparedness measures and staying updated on local emergency procedures empowers you to make informed decisions during a crisis.
While no strategy can guarantee absolute safety during a devastating earthquake, following these principles can significantly improve your chances of survival and increase opportunities to help yourself and others.

Mookoo:
What else do you think are equally important as these mentioned principles?

ChatGPT:
In addition to the principles mentioned earlier, several other actions and considerations are equally important during and after a devastating earthquake:
  1. Building Structure Assessment: Knowing the structural integrity of buildings where you spend time, such as your home, workplace, and schools, is crucial. Ensuring that buildings comply with seismic building codes and retrofitting older structures can reduce the risk of collapse during an earthquake.
  2. Securing Heavy Furniture and Objects: Secure heavy furniture, appliances, and objects to prevent them from toppling over during shaking. This can minimize injuries and property damage.
  3. Fire Safety Preparedness: Earthquakes can trigger fires due to ruptured gas lines, electrical sparks, or other causes. Knowing how to use fire extinguishers and having fire evacuation plans in place are essential for safety.
  4. Medical Training and First Aid: Basic knowledge of first aid and CPR can be invaluable in treating injuries until professional medical help arrives. Consider taking first aid and CPR training courses to be better prepared.
  5. Communication Plans: Establish communication plans with family members, friends, and neighbors in case of separation during an earthquake. Designate meeting points and alternative means of communication, such as text messages or social media, as traditional communication channels may be disrupted.
  6. Emergency Evacuation Routes: Identify primary and alternative evacuation routes from your home, workplace, and community in case buildings become unsafe or inaccessible after an earthquake. Practice evacuation drills regularly with family members or colleagues.
  7. Water and Food Storage: Store an ample supply of clean water and non-perishable food to sustain yourself and your family for several days following an earthquake. Consider dietary restrictions and medical needs when stocking emergency supplies.
  8. Psychological Preparedness: Be mentally prepared to cope with the aftermath of an earthquake, which may include dealing with trauma, loss, and uncertainty. Foster resilience by staying informed, connecting with support networks, and practicing self-care.
  9. Community Engagement and Mutual Aid: Engage with your community to establish mutual aid networks and support systems. Collaborate with neighbors, local organizations, and emergency responders to address collective needs and vulnerabilities.
  10. Earthquake Insurance and Financial Preparedness: Consider purchasing earthquake insurance to protect your property and belongings from earthquake damage. Review your insurance policies and financial resources to ensure adequate coverage for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
By incorporating these additional considerations into your earthquake preparedness efforts, you can enhance your resilience and ability to mitigate risks during and after a devastating earthquake.

Mookoo:
Oh, there seems too much for me to learn and remember. How about listing just five or six rules for us common people to follow?

ChatGPT:
Certainly! Here are five essential rules for common people to follow during a devastating earthquake:
  1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: When the ground starts shaking, immediately drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall, and hold on until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms.
  2. Stay Indoors if Inside, Move to an Open Area if Outside: If you're indoors when an earthquake strikes, stay there and take cover. If you're outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires to avoid falling debris.
  3. Check for Gas Leaks and Turn Off Gas if Suspected: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas valve, open windows, and evacuate the building immediately. Gas leaks can lead to fires or explosions after an earthquake.
  4. Have an Emergency Kit: Keep a well-stocked emergency kit at home, in your car, and at work. Include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications to sustain yourself and your family for several days.
  5. Listen to Authorities and Follow Instructions: Stay informed by listening to updates and instructions from local authorities and emergency services. Follow evacuation orders, use designated evacuation routes, and seek shelter in safe locations as directed.
Following these essential rules can significantly increase your chances of staying safe and protecting yourself and your loved ones during a devastating earthquake.

Mookoo:
Thank you for providing these guidelines. But I believe you may have overlooked mentioning the importance of prayer as a means to maintain calmness. Do you agree that keeping prayer in mind is essential?

ChatGPT:
While prayer can indeed be a source of comfort and solace for many individuals during times of crisis, it's important to recognize that maintaining calmness and emotional resilience can take various forms for different people. For those who find strength and reassurance through prayer or spiritual practices, incorporating these into their coping strategies can be beneficial.

Prayer can help individuals feel connected to something larger than themselves, provide a sense of inner peace, and offer support in navigating difficult circumstances. Moreover, prayer can be a part of broader psychological and emotional coping mechanisms that help individuals manage stress and anxiety during and after an earthquake or any other disaster.

However, it's essential to acknowledge that not everyone may find solace through prayer, and different individuals may have diverse coping mechanisms that work best for them. Therefore, while prayer can be valuable for some, it's equally important to encourage individuals to explore and utilize coping strategies that resonate with their beliefs, values, and personal experiences.

In summary, while prayer can be a meaningful aspect of maintaining calmness and emotional well-being for some individuals, it's just one of many potential coping mechanisms that can help people navigate challenging situations such as a devastating earthquake. Encouraging individuals to explore and utilize coping strategies that work best for them is key to promoting resilience and well-being during times of crisis.

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相關文章 (See also):
1)  Away from Me, Nightmare!     (2018)



2024年4月7日 星期日

The 2nd Sunday of Easter at St. Luke's

#2024-0407

The picture on the right was taken immediately after the service at St. Luke's Church this morning, on the 2nd Sunday of Easter.

At the request of Rev. Antony Liang, this photo was promptly taken and sent to Ms. Catherine Lee at the diocesan office. She posted it on Facebook along with prayers for the current situation in Hualien, including the congregation of St. Luke's and the local community, following the devastating 7.2 earthquake that occurred on Wednesday, April 3rd. Consequently, many who read the Facebook message have been praying for us.

Following a simple lunch at St. Luke's, some of the service attendees continued to participate in a sharing session led by Ms. Jiawen Huang (黃佳雯姊妹), who introduced how to blend and apply essential oils to deal with seasonal bugs that may cause itching and discomfort. Check out the final 18 pictures below, and you'll see what we discussed this afternoon.

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相關文章 (See also):
1)  Easter Day, 2024     (2024)