Lessons from Japan

It's time to review your preparedness plans and restock your survival kits.

The terrible earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan has caused many Americans to reevaluate their own preparedness for a major disaster. And well they should. Japan, by all accounts, sets the standard for preparedness. It has the world's most sophisticated warning systems for earthquakes and tsunamis. It enforces stringent building codes on all types of construction. Its population regularly takes part in earthquake drills.

And yet, the results of the earthquake and tsunami were devastating. As of March 20th, the death toll topped 8,000 with another 20,000 people still missing. 360,000 people were living in shelters. More than 115,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged. 2.3 million people were without regular power service and 750,000 were without electricity.

Still, the preparedness of the Japanese people saved many lives and prevented wider damage. Most buildings in the earthquake zone fared fairly well. The country's early warning systems stopped trains that might otherwise have derailed and provided a few minutes advance notice of the coming tsunami that helped at least some people seek higher ground. Having drilled incessantly, most Japanese people knew how to respond during and immediately following the quake, which surely saved many lives.

What can Americans learn from Japan's tragic experience?

1. Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is essential for everyone. Disaster preparedness training is offered by CERT, the Red Cross and many other organizations. It would be unwise to rely on others to know what to do.
2. Government entities, first responders and utilities are often overwhelmed when a disaster strikes. Everyone should have survival kits in their homes, workplaces and cars, and be prepared to attend to their own needs for at least 72 hours after a disaster strikes. That means keeping sufficient medical supplies, food, water and shelter for every member of the family and pets.
3. It is crucial to have a plan. Families should have a communications plan so that they can contact one another in the event of an emergency. They should also be familiar with local evacuation plans and know what to do should they be forced to leave their home, their neighborhood or their city.
4. Disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. Every community and every home is vulnerable to disaster, whether it be an earthquake, a flood, a tornado or some other event. By their nature, disasters arrive unexpectedly and at the most inopportune times. It is therefore important not to delay disaster preparedness. The time to begin ensuring that your family is ready for an emergency is now.