CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Fortunately, last week's earthquake on the East Coast didn't cause much widespread damage. With all the natural disasters and violence occurring in the world, do you ever wonder how you'll react in a crisis situation?

There's a lot of emphasis on crisis plans for big things -- think chemical spills or nuclear power plants. But for the more common occurrences that can rock our worlds, there's usually not a manual. My research turned up some interesting clues on behavioral tendencies.

Take a look at the following quiz to gain some personal insights. While these scenarios involve everyday situations, they can spotlight your natural tendencies and provide valuable information for course corrections.

1. An unexpected merger leaves you out of work.

a. You file for unemployment, update your résumé and send an email blast to your list of contacts.

b. You apply for a few jobs in your field and pick up a book about changing careers. Maybe this is an opportunity to try something new.

c. You use your severance check for a weeklong cruise to escape the situation.

d. You panic. It's been so long since you've had to look for a job that you don't know where to start.

2. During a routine checkup, the doctor finds an abnormality and schedules more tests.

a. You research the possible diagnoses exhaustively so you'll be prepared.

b. You do a little research online but try not to worry too much. It's probably nothing.

c. You think, "Why me?"

d. You tell family and friends you love them -- in case you don't have much time left.

3. You walk in on a co-worker crying in the lunchroom.

a. You put your arm around her and offer her a tissue.

b. "You OK?" you ask from the doorway.

c. You ask HR to look in on her.

d. You tiptoe back out, not wanting to intrude.

4. Something you have been hoping for has not come to fruition.

a. There must be a reason.

b. You're disappointed, but you realize we don't always know what's best for us.

c. You move on to the next dilemma.

d. You think, "Why doesn't anything ever go right for me?"

5. Your mom's best friend passes away suddenly.

a. You send flowers to the family and help your mom organize a celebration of her friend's life.

b. You send the family a sympathy card and go to the funeral with your mom.

c. You tell your mom to call if she needs anything.

d. Funerals make you nervous. You tell Mom you can't get out of work but will be thinking about her.

6. You drive your friends into the city. Your car gets towed for illegal parking.

a. You call the towing company and tell your friends you'll cover the cost.

b. You calmly ask if anyone can pitch in for the fee.

c. You hope your friends step up and take charge. After all, you did all the driving.

d. You blow up at the friend who assured you the spot was legal and demand he get you out of this mess.

7. Flash food! Authorities order you to evacuate.

a. You put your longstanding family disaster plan in action and are out the door.

b. You pack the car and listen for further emergency instructions.

c. Time is running out, but you can't decide what to take or where to go.

d. You're not leaving. What's safer than your own home?

8. A meeting ran long, and you're late getting your son to his first baseball game.

a. You bring him to the game and apologize to the coach, explaining it was your fault and that it won't happen again.

b. You drop your son off and tell him how sorry you are. You'll talk to the coach after the game if he wants.

c. You tell your son there's no point in showing up now. You can talk to the coach later.

d. Uh ... this is going to be very awkward. Let's just go get pizza.

9. OK, be honest. Are you good in a crisis?

a. I feel empowered when I have a chance to step in and help out.

b. I try to keep a level head and figure out what needs to be done. Then I do it.

c. Sometimes, when I'm not freaking out.

d. Let's just say I'm not leading the troops through the trenches singing songs about soldiering on.

Scorecard

Mostly A's: You're good in a crisis, maybe too good. While you're the one people love to have around, you might be saving the best parts of yourself for those moments when disaster strikes. Laura Day, author of "Welcome to Your Crisis: How to Use the Power of Crisis to Create the Life You Want," says, "Chances are, you're living life a little too safely. Don't be a crisis junkie. Internalize those skills to work on your own goals."

Mostly B's: You're grounded enough to roll with life's punches while helping others. Watch out, though. "Don't let people suck you dry," Day says.

Mostly C's: Sometimes you can handle a crisis like a pro. Your day-to-day life tends toward the chaotic. However, a real crisis can do you in. "If your sense of being alive comes from crisis, remember you can feel passion without the pain," Day says. If you live on the edge of stability, you'll be pushed right over when the bumps in the road get bigger. Take time to think things through.

Mostly D's: Let's face it, crises are not your forte. If even a minor disaster strikes, it's meltdown time. Work on tackling those curveballs life throws at you with more patience and practical, positive thinking. "Your best friend is routine," Day says. "Because crises tend to derail you, reach for the familiar. Try to hold off on decisions until you're back on course."

Thanks to author Lisa Marie Rovito for her analysis of these behavioral tendencies. If we look at the ways we react in more minor situations, we can anticipate how we might respond in the bigger arenas.

Linda Arnold, MBA, is a certified wellness instructor and chairwoman/CEO of The Arnold Agency, a marketing communications company specializing in advertising, public relations, government relations and interactive marketing. Reader comments are welcome and may be directed to Linda Arnold, The Arnold Agency, 117 Summers St., Charleston, WV 25301, or emailed to livelifefu...@arnoldagency.com.