Are you prepared?

In light of the tragedies of Japan, I've been hearing a lot of people say how unprepared they'd be for that kind of disaster to hit home. But it makes me wonder, knowing they are in fact unprepared, will they do actually anything to get prepared? Will they take this as another warning signal and do the research and get the supplies they would need in the event we experienced that kind of disaster? Or will they just make the comment, think about it for a bit, and then continue on with their daily lives? Sadly, I think the majority will do the latter.

I had the same thoughts. 'I'm not ready, I have no meeting place with my family, I don't have the necessary supplies for myself or my dog, I don't know my route to higher ground, and I generally have no idea what the DOs and DON'Ts are in an earthquake/tsunami of that magnitude.'

But this time I refuse to just move on. I can't. Not when you see the kind of devastation that Japan is experiencing right now. Ignorance is not always bliss.

That being said, there are TONS of resources to give you the information you need in preparation. Here's one website I found very helpful.

The death toll continues to rise in Japan, thousands are still missing and even more are still without power or water. And now the looming dangers of the nuclear leak. Just like there are lots of websites to find answers, there are also lots of ways to help with relief efforts in Japan.

Text ASIA to 30333 and a one time donation of $5 will be sent to the Canadian Red Cross.

You can also contribute through the Humanitarian Coalition.

I really don't want to harp on this or to come off as a Debbie Downer, but the truth is, this could easily happen to us on the west coast. Think about how prepared you are now and what you could do to be more so. And think about the thousands who are suffering in Japan and how easily that could be you or me.

My thoughts and prayers are sincerely with those affected by the disasters of Japan.