A weekly round-up of news, articles and surveys to make your next emergency better. Have a suggestion for the round-up? Contact me at abetteremergency@gmail.com.

This week marks the third anniversary of the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan.   Arguably they are the best prepared country in the world for the threat, yet tremendous challenges remain.  As we reflect on the event, I think everyone living along the west coast of the United States needs to consider the impact a similar, Cascadia event would have. We are not as well prepared as Japan.

It’s hard to argue with the lessons from 2011 quake. Milk Carton Castle After watching this slide show about a whole generation of children growing up in post-Fukushima disaster, all I can say is “wow.”

I’m sure many have seen pictures of the missing children on milk cartons.  Consider them as you read about the thousands still missing in Japan.

As you read about the toll Fukushima continues to take, think about how prepared we actually are. I argue that we’re not.

We know that the 2011 earthquake remains an ongoing disaster. However, it appears that the resources required for the the Olympics outweighs what’s needed for disaster recovery.

I wonder if the author of this article would have a different view of the data if talking about her child and the discovery of thyroid cancer.

I have no illusions that somewhere down the road articles eerily similar in content as those you just read above will list cities like Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Cannon Beach and Seaside. Difficult to find an upside based upon the amount of effort being put into our preparedness but I think this is a great way to help young adults learn about disaster consequences and needs of survivors.

[GARD]