The images coming out of Japan the past few weeks are shocking and sad. At first glance you might think it was an epic disaster movie or some kind of bad dream. But it was not. It was real - a real wake-up call that is for us all.
When it comes to being emergency prepared, I must admit that I fail pretty miserably. I consider myself a pretty smart guy, so to not have a few simple things at the ready in case of a natural disaster, is pretty foolish. So, in light of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I have pledged to get myself, my family and loved ones better prepared.
That means heeding the advice of emergency program co-ordinator Bill Elsner who we feature in today's edition. It's really not that complicated. Having a week's worth of water and food, some clothing items, medications and some cash in an easy to carry grab-and-go kit is a great start. Sure, you can get really fancy and look at getting an elaborate emergency kit, which is certainly a great idea, but if we all took a few minutes and created a small grab-and-go kit, imagine how better off we would all be when the 'big one' hits. And it will. Scientists have predicted that coastal B.C. is long past due for a major earthquake and when it comes and if we are not prepared, were in for panic and chaos.
While we have a great emergency program here on the Coast, dedicated volunteers with Search and Rescue, Coast Guard and fire departments, are we doing enough to make sure the Sunshine Coast is prepared as a whole? It's a question that our politicians are starting to ask. I'm encouraged by the fact that directors from the Sunshine Coast Regional District are engaging in the issue. I think all of our Coast government's should be in on this discussion and should be taking a look at their long-term planning goals to ensure that each municipality is prepared. Do we have the necessary action plans in place? That's the big question and a big question that needs to be answered. I'd love to see a series of town hall meetings set up where residents in each community can sit down and talk with their representatives about emergency preparedness, exchange ideas and dialogue.
The more prepared now the better off we will be should disaster strike.
Power down
And while we're on the topic of being prepared for natural disasters, how about taking up the challenge and support action on climate change?
This Saturday, Sunshine Coast residents will have the opportunity to join millions around the globe in turning out the lights during Earth Hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Earth Hour has grown from a single event in Sydney, Australia in 2007 to a global phenomenon that occurred across six continents in 2008. In 2010, Earth Hour reached more than 1.3 billion people in 128 countries and territories including 10 million Canadians participated in about 300 cities and towns.
It's a simple measure, but a measure that people can take to help make a difference.
