If you think you are safe from an event like the one currently unfolding in Guatemala, here in the northwest, you have forgotten your history. 38 years ago last month, we here in the NW experienced an event that was identical in every way aside from the lava flow. We had a volcanic eruption that sheared over 1,300 ft of the top of Mt. St. Helens, spewing ash all the way around the world. The landslide that accompanied the eruption was 23 sq miles, the largest on Earth in recorded history. The death toll was 57 even though we had warnings and evacuations in place.
The recent events in Guatemala bring back vivid memories of the events that unfolded that spring, in the NW. And it reminds me just how fragile we are. Are you prepared to survive such a cataclysmic event? Is your family going to suffer? Do you have plans in place should such an event occur, while you are separated, to reconnect? Most likely the next major cataclysmic event we encounter will be, what they are calling the “Big One”, a catastrophic Cascadia Subduction Zone event that will change life as we know it.
In the Pacific Northwest, the area of impact will cover some one hundred and forty thousand square miles, including Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Eugene, Salem, Olympia, and some seven million people. When the next full-margin rupture happens, that region will suffer the worst natural disaster in the history of North America. It is NOT a question of IF it will happen, but WHEN, The risk is greater than we thought. Will you be an asset to your family and community or a liability?
Remember the rule of 3’s that apply in every situation. Use them to make your plan. They will help you decide what skills are important to develop and what supplies are important to have an emergency supply of. Always start with the 5 C’s when building a survival kit. Whether it is a vehicle kit, a Get Home bag, or a home stored kit the 5 C’s are critical and should always be included. I urge you to take just a little time each week to address whatever shortcomings you and your family have in regard to your preparedness. It just may be the difference between life and death.
As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared
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