a tribute to Japan

On March 11, Japan was hit by magnitude of a scale of 8.9 earthquake that struck northern Japan and it generated a devastating tsunami. When the tsunami hit northern Japan's coastline, it carried away homes, vehicles and trees in its path. It really looked like a scene from the movie, 2012. Cars and trucks looked like toy cars and trucks being washed away from the forceful current. Officials say at least 10,000 people were likely killed in the 8.9 magnitude earthquake. There is currently no power or water at the moment. About 2 million households in the north were affected. There is also a nuclear crisis going on. A nuclear power station is raising the risk of uncontrolled radiation leaking out. Here's a video from yahoo of the water hitting the Japanese town in the city of Miyako. Tsunami hits city of Miyako and here are some devastating photos from the after effects of the earthquake.

pictures taken from syracuse.com

Seeing this occur in Japan makes me think if British Columbians would be prepared enough to face an earthquake such as this one. Since we are suppose to be on the fault zone. I remember back in elementary school they have always talked about earthquake preparedness and what we can do if an earthquake would hit Vancouver when we are at school. I sometimes wonder if the preparation we received back in elementary would help us ready ourselves. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself and your home from an earthquake.

• Decide in advance on the best place to go during an earthquake and what they can do if you are incapacitated. Children should know how and when to call emergency services and someone besides yourself should be able to shut off your dwelling's gas, water, and electricity.
• If you have civil defense safety meeting points, be sure that every member of the family knows the location of the one closest to home, school, and work.
• Create an emergency communication plan that is known by every member of the family. Determine a central meeting place, in case you are separated before or during an earthquake.
• Ask an out-of-state family member or friend to serve as a central contact (and maybe you can be their contact too). Make sure everyone memorizes this person's phone number. Don't rely on cellular phones or radios for contact.
• Fasten all shelves securely to the walls.
• Use brackets to attach wall units, bookcases, and other tall furniture to wall studs. Standard steel brackets are fine and easy to apply.
• Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves or on the floor. They might fall during an earthquake and the less distance they have to fall, the better. You can also screw objects onto things, such as a desk.
• Use non-slip mats to prevent heavy objects, or objects with a low center of gravity, from sliding. For example, fish bowls, vases, floral arrangements, statues, etc. Cut down to size if needed.
• Use invisible nylon cord to secure tall, heavy items that can topple over to the wall. Place an eye screw in the wall, and tie the thread around the object (such as a vase) and then tied it to the eye screw.