One of the motto’s of amateur radio is, “When all else fails…” In disasters like the 8.9 magnitude earthquake near the east coast of Honshu, Japan, it’s times like these hams excel and come to the forefront. While I don’t participate in EMCOMM or belong to any of the local groups, it only takes a moment to ask yourself, “Are you prepared?” as is relates to you and your family if you are suddenly thrust into a natural disaster, like that of an earthquake or tsunami.

After the birth of my son in 2005 I went through a period of panic as I knew I was not prepared, especially if an earthquake were to strike the bay area, which many know and understand is near a major fault. Living in California since 1971, I have been through a wide range of earthquakes and while some might not understand the logic, earthquakes are just something you come to live with. Much like tornadoes in the Midwest or hurricanes down in the Gulf Coast or Florida.

Since that time I have given a moment of thought to being prepared. I now have 3 days of rations and an emergency “go kit” available to me. I have my portable radio changed and ready at all times. I even provisioned our vehicles with much smaller (fanny pack) type emergency kits. But looking at it realistically, I am far from being prepared to deal with a 8.9 quake, if it were to hit on the San Andreas Fault causing major damage, fire and possible tsunamis.

Thankfully it is never too late to start planning or continue planning for an emergency plan. Today’s quake in Japan will have be reevaluating my emergency go kit, as well as what else I can do in order to prepare my family and myself when a natural disaster strikes.

Frequenting conspiracy web sites such as Godlike Productions and Above Top Secret have increased my awareness of events worldwide that could have consequences. I have read many threads regarding “being prepared” and how to go about building your own “go kits.” To what level you want to take your preparedness to is entirely up to you. My initial plan was supply for 3 days (72 hours). Unfortunately, I won’t rely on the government initially (as witnessed by the SNAFU after Hurricane Katrina), so I will be responsible for my family and myself.

After the Honshu, Japan quake I will be reevaluating my readiness so I am not caught unprepared when something major happens. Final word, my thoughts and prayers go out to all my friends I have talked to in Japan. Hopefully they all make it through and we hear them across the airwaves soon.