In the aftermath of an 8.9 earthquake that devastated Japan, unbelievable images have surfaced from this terrible tragedy. Even though the earthquake was the most powerful one on record in Japan, it was the subsequent tsunami that took the most lives and destroyed the most property. These photos demonstrate the power and ferocity of this heart-wrenching calamity.
Happy 2011! At the start of this new year, consider these 11 easy ways you can prepare your family for an emergency:
Know Your Risks
Plan for the disasters that are most common where you live. Maybe it’s a snowstorm over a hurricane or an earthquake instead of a tornado. Know your area and don’t forget about flood preparation – the most prevalent natural disaster in the U.S.
Plan Ahead
With focused and strategic shopping, you are more likely to get exactly what you need and save money. Prices can skyrocket before a hurricane, wildfire or other imminent emergency.
Budget For Preparedness
Consider emergency supplies as a standard expense. Even $20 a month can go a long way to help you be ready. Simply buy one preparedness item each time you go to the store.
Personalize Your Kit
You may not need everything included in ready-made 72-hour kits and there may be extra items you require based on your family situation. Don’t forget personal medication and pets.
Check and Test Regularly
Don’t just replace your kit items annually, consider cycling through items that have a shelf life (food, batteries, etc.). As with smoke alarms, test your radio and flashlights at least once a year to make sure they are in good working order.
Store Your Own Water
Forget about buying expensive bottled water. They can be handy for short-term needs, but not for long-term survival purposes. Store your own water in large, safe, disinfected containers.
Get Practical With Gifts
Give and request emergency kits and supplies as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries or Christmas. What if your friends and family gave you gifts that could save your life? Don’t forget to help them by sending emergency gifts their way, too.
Manage Your Coverage
Review your insurance policies annually and make any necessary changes. When emergencies strike, you want to be confident your coverage will help you sufficiently recover. Renters should also have policies to cover personal property.
Prepare To Communicate
Keep your contact records current. Maintain an accurate list of emergency contact numbers, family, friends and neighbors. Consider buying short wave radios to communicate when cell phone towers go out.
Get Creative With Expenses
Trade one night out to fund a 72-hour kit. A nice dinner, a movie, and a babysitter will often cost between $70-$100.
Cover Your Bases
Don’t forget to have kits and supplies in your car and at work. The average American spends more than two hours per day in the car and many more at work.
Preparedness = Peace
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already well on your way to being prepared. Remember, the more you prepare, the less there is to fear.
Alex, Bonnie, Colin, and Danielle. Meet the first 4 predicted storms of the 2010 hurricane season. This year the National Hurricane Center (of the NOAA) has predicted an extremely active season with an estimated 14-23 named storms to occur in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. They predict 8 to 14 will become hurricanes, with 3-7 major hurricanes clocking wind speeds over 111 mph.
Tropical storms receive a name when wind speeds exceed 39 mph and become hurricanes when their sustained winds reach 74 mph. Historically, the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 through November 30 produces 11 named storms and 2 major hurricanes.
Among many variables, scientists and forecasters say there are three main factors we will see more storms this year:
Weak Wind Shear
Wind shear can dismantle storms and with El Nino dissipating this year winds are expected to be lighter.
Warmer Water
El Nino also brought warm ocean temperatures which should remain above average throughout the season.
Era of Hurricanes
Since 1995, the Atlantic has increasingly formed more storms than in previous decades.
AccuWeather, led by researchers at Colorado State University, similarly predicted 16-18 named storms in 2010, with 6 storms striking the United States.
Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy year for hurricanes. Stay safe, be prepared and enjoy the summer!
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recently launched m.fema.gov, a skinnier version of its disaster information Web site developed specifically for mobile cell phones. The site provides vital information about floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms and other emergencies and answers to key questions like “How do I keep my family safe?” and “How do I return home safely?”
Of course, a bigger question is how reliable are cell phones in the aftermath of a disaster? This varies based on the scale and location of the emergency, the data provider, and other factors. There is no guarantee your phone carrier will be available, but it helps to know this resource exists in the first place.
Below is the video from FEMA making the announcement:
FEMA plans to expand and improve the site to allow individuals to apply for federal disaster assistance, check their application status or update an existing application.
With hurricane season beginning June 1, FEMA also launched a hurricane page at m.fema.gov/hurricanes.htm. It offers helpful ideas on how to prepare for a hurricane, how to stay safe during a hurricane, and how to recover in the aftermath of a hurricane.
Historic rainfall and flooding in the Northeast this year has reminded us that, despite the danger of earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, floods are the most common and widespread threat in the United States. Flooding can happen anywhere, but of course it’s much more likely to occur near bodies of water like rivers, lakes and streams.
The most common question for anyone concerned about flooding is usually: Do I live in a flood-prone area? Fortunately, FEMA has made this research quite simple. FEMA’s Map Service Center provides detailed flood maps of neighborhoods all over the U.S.
At the top left of the home page, enter your address (see screenshot to the right)
Although it may be a little slow to load, a detailed map will appear in a new window. The buttons on the left allow you to zoom in and out and pan across the map down to your specific street address. (see example map below)
Flood Preparation
Whether or not you live in a designated flood area, understanding how to prepare for a flood is wise and simple. Consider these three important steps:
Protect Your Possessions
Create a flood file with information about all of your possessions and place it in a secure place like a safe deposit box or waterproof container.
The file should include:
Copies of insurance policies with your agent’s info.
A full inventory of your possessions, including video, photos, and receipts.
Copies of all other critical documents.
Prepare Your Dwelling
Ensure your sump pump is working and don’t forget a battery-operated backup.
Clear debris from drainage spouts and gutters.
Raise electrical components (switches, sockets and circuit breakers) at least one foot above your projected flood elevation.
Place the washer, dryer, furnace, and water heater on blocks at least one foot above the projected flood elevation.
Move all valuables and important documents to high ground.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
Buy or create an emergency kit with drinking water, food, first aid, blanket, radio, and flashlight.
Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
Designate an out-of-state family member or friend to be your emergency family contact.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recently launched 
The most common question for anyone concerned about flooding is usually: Do I live in a flood-prone area? Fortunately, FEMA has made this research quite simple. 
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