The 50th anniversary of the Alaskan earthquake and the subsequent Port Alberni tsunami is a reminder that it can happen again, and it will, although no one can predict when. It鈥檚 also a time to take note of the sa国际传媒 auditor general鈥檚 finding that the province is ill-prepared for a catastrophic quake.
Justice Minister Suzanne Anton admits the province鈥檚 shortcomings in earthquake preparedness and promises the government will act on the auditor general鈥檚 recommendations.
Certainly, the government needs an overall plan, but when the Big One hits, it isn鈥檛 government programs that will make the immediate difference. It鈥檚 what people do for themselves.
The results of a massive earthquake typically include loss of power, impassable roads, disrupted communications, damaged or destroyed water and sewer systems, and difficulties in obtaining food. In a large-scale disaster, government resources would be stretched thin, and many people would be on their own, at least for the first few days. And those first days are the most important when it comes to survival.
It takes a significant amount of resources for a government to be prepared for a disaster. Preparing personally for such an event is within everyone鈥檚 reach.
sa国际传媒 Emergency Preparedness, the Red Cross and many other agencies recommend a household disaster kit to get you through the first hours, and other supplies to help you cope if the emergency extends to days and weeks. Start with enough water, food and other supplies to last 72 hours. Go from there.
Government help won鈥檛 mean much if you can鈥檛 survive until it gets there.
