Letter: Rodeo explosion: Most scared and unprepared

Rodeo explosion: Most
scared and unprepared

Re: “Shelter-in-place lifted, I-80 reopens after storage tanks burn, reported explosion at East Bay energy facility” (Eastbaytimes.com, Oct. 15):

Growing up in Rodeo, every first Wednesday of the month a shelter-in-place drill would take place. I graduated from John Swett High School where the refinery was visible from campus and never once fathomed the idea of the refinery catching flames.

The recent tragedy of the refinery explosion sent a wave of chemicals into the air. My younger sister who now attends JSHS felt shakes and tremors as the containments exploded into flames.

Our home is located just a few miles away from the explosion site. My grandpa was home alone and unaware what actions to take during this event. There needs to be more awareness shared with the children and the elderly who may not be as knowledgeable about sheltering place.

This event scared many families and those at home were not prepared.

Pamela Tionquiao
San Jose

 

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