Japan crisis sparks emergency preparedness concerns in California

by Rebecca Walker — March 16, 2011—The horrifying deaths and damage caused by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami sent shock waves through California, and caused many people to wonder if they and their communities are prepared for a major natural disaster. The answer, according to California emergency preparedness specialist More Prepared, is that while preparedness in California has increased in recent years, much work remains to be done.

Organizations such as the California Emergency Management Agency have done much to raise public awareness about the danger of earthquakes and the need to be prepared. A recent survey showed that 80 percent of Californians keep first aid kits, flashlights and batteries in their homes. However, relatively few have taken crucial further steps to ensure the safety of their families and property.

According to More Prepared president Mina Arnao, one basic step that many people neglect is to have an adequate and safe water supply. Households should maintain a supply of at least 3 gallons per person for emergency use. While some presume that the water in their water heaters can function as an emergency supply, that water can be hard to access and may not be safe due to sediment deposits that often build up in water heaters.

More Prepared is an emergency preparedness specialist located in Hawthorne, California. For more information, see the Web site.