Earthquake Preparedeness 

If you're anything like me you're likely thinking a lot about our brothers and sisters in Japan who are trying to recover from the destruction of the March 11th earthquake and subsequent tsunami. I'd like to help with some pertinent information.

There are many charitable organizations who have put relief efforts into action to help victims in Japan. If you would like to make a contribution to the relief effort, here is a partial list of relief organizations: 

Mennonite Central Committee (https://donate.mcc.org/) 

The American Red Cross has been assisting the Japanese Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/) 

World Vision is one the first to start relief work for the Japan earthquake tsunami disaster.
(http://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/Pacific-Tsunami.aspx)

Medecins San Frontier is amoung the first workers who are already on ground in Japan assessing
the situation. (http://www.msf.org/msf/donations/donations_home.cfm) 

The Salvation Army: Text “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation that will be added to your next cellphone bill. You may also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and say you want to give to “Japan Earthquake / Tsunamis”.
 

Here on the Pacific Coast we too are at risk for a major earthquake. According to CBS News, “the West Coast is part of the same volatile geological system as Japan and New Zealand."

“Preparations for an earthquake include knowing what to do while it is happening. By learning and practicing what you should try to do, you will be more able to remain calm enough to protect yourself and help others. Even if you have a plan for your home, you may be away. Know what to do, wherever you are. In summary, you should take cover and stay there.” 

For detailed information on earthquake preparedness, please visit http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/prepare_now/prepare.html. This is a great website full of tips on how to:

• to be prepared to avoid injury, • be prepared to minimize damage to your home

• be prepared to survive afterwards for at least 72 hours without help.
 

Within the Greater Vancouver Area there are many suppliers of disaster response kits. Here are a couple:

Krasiki & Ward:  #006 - 555 West 12th Ave.,Vancouver, BC, Phone 604-739-9455

Brainer Survival Kits:  1000 Parker St #410, Vancouver BC, Phone: 604 254 0455

I’ve also found a very informative website which gives advice as to how to put together your own disaster supply kit: http://vancouver.ca/emerg/prepyourself/supplykit.htm.  To summarize briefly, here is what is recommended to have ready:

Water:  • Plan on four litres of water per person per day.  • Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.  • Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as mason jars or glass bottles. *Because water is so important to human survival, it should never be withheld.  • Drink at least two litres per day, as long as supplies last, and look for alternative sources.

Food:  • Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.  • Choose foods that require no refrigeration, cooking, or preparation and are compact and lightweight.  • If food must be cooked, include a can of sterno (canned heat). 

First aid kit and instruction booklet.

Of course, there is a lot more each of us can do to be prepared. For more detailed information on preparedness, please visit http://vancouver.ca/emerg/prepyourself/supplykit.htm.

It is my hope that this information will help you and your family
to stay as safe as possible in an earthquake situation.