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General Category => Grab Bag => Topic started by: lancaster lady on March 11, 2011, 01:12:28 AM

Title: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: lancaster lady on March 11, 2011, 01:12:28 AM
Devastating news for all those in Japan ...
Horrific pictures coming through this morning .
I hope all those in the US are not affected by a possible Tsunami on the west coast .
So sad for all those affected .... :(
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: holliberri on March 11, 2011, 04:38:34 AM
 :(
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 11, 2011, 06:30:36 AM
My thoughts and prayers to all those in Japan and those here in the US that could possibly be affected.  I have been watching it this morning too, it's terrible.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: FAFE on March 11, 2011, 07:07:17 AM
I am trying to find out if my DIL's parents are ok.  I'm not good with the geography of Japan, but I do know they live 3 blocks from the ocean.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Rose799 on March 11, 2011, 07:18:39 AM
I hope your area is safe, Luise...thinking of you~
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: luise.volta on March 11, 2011, 07:26:17 AM
We are on salt water...a bay on Puget Sound (which is on the Pacific) but we are up on a bluff and safe. As far as I know, the tidal waves haven't hit yet. Sandy, Kirk's partner is in their home on Kauai (water level) but they are on the East side of the Island. What a horror all of this is. Sending love to everyone affected...
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pen on March 11, 2011, 08:02:35 AM
Laurie, is your DS and his GF & her family OK?
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 11, 2011, 08:12:14 AM
Yes Pen, I am worried about them too.  I'm not sure geography-wise, where they are at in Hawaii.  Glad you and Tara are safe Luise, and your DIL.  Was thinking about all of you this morning.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on March 11, 2011, 08:26:06 AM
My post went poof

Pen.. thanks for asking about them.. yes they are fine, they are on the  mid west side of the island and Tokyo is on the northern east coast.. My son credits the reduced loss of life from the quake to Japan's proactive nature and building codes.. Water is hard to fight.

I haven't heard from my other son but I've seen no mention of the Philipeans being affected.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 11, 2011, 08:32:42 AM
Good news Laurie, and glad they are ok.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: luise.volta on March 11, 2011, 09:26:37 AM
Here is what Kirk wrote: Thanks for checking in. I just talked to Sandy and all is well on Kauai. Max surge was 7 feet, so no damage on our island.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Rose799 on March 11, 2011, 09:28:51 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on March 11, 2011, 09:26:37 AM
Here is what Kirk wrote: Thanks for checking in. I just talked to Sandy and all is well on Kauai. Max surge was 7 feet, so no damage on our island.

Good to know, I'm glad everyone is safe, yours included, Laurie...
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pen on March 11, 2011, 09:29:00 AM
Yup, good news. Glad to hear Sandy is OK as well.

It's hard to look at the footage; my thoughts are with all affected. The west coast of the US is getting some mild effects, but no real problems. NZ & the Phillipines were taken off the watch list earlier. NZ certainly doesn't need any more disasters right now.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on March 11, 2011, 10:38:15 AM
I know that Japan came back stronger yet after past horrific devastation, but as I watch the news the destruction seems to almost be endless, it's so sad, those people woke to hell on earth... they will be fighting for mere survival within the week. 
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: FAFE on March 11, 2011, 12:09:24 PM
Good news here.  DIL's parents live south of Tokyo - they did fill it and some mild flooding about a mile from their house.  No damage to their house either.  We are relieved.  Hope everyone else is out of harm's way. 
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 11, 2011, 06:55:55 PM
FAFE,

glad to hear they are ok, I was worried when I heard they were near the ocean.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pen on March 11, 2011, 09:07:42 PM
FAFE, that's great news! I was worried. Our friends in Japan are fine too, luckily.

It's difficult to comprehend the extent of the damage and the impact on so many millions of people. Haiti is still dealing with the aftermath and it's been over a year. I imagine many Haitians are afraid they're going to be forgotten after NZ and now Japan. My heart hurts for everyone.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on March 11, 2011, 09:51:27 PM
True Pen, but Japan is by far the strongest nation to deal with disasters such as this.  They will pick up the pieces and move on... Did you notice how there was no televised episodes of mass looting and violence... I do admire them in that respect.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Nana on March 13, 2011, 12:43:55 AM
Thank God all you ladies and relatives/friends are ok.   Yes, it must have been hell for those affected.  We got a 7.2 quake here in the Imperial Valley in California exactly on Easter Day last April.  It  seemed like the end of the world...cant imagine an 8.9.  I also admire the people in Tokyo. 

Love
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Rose799 on March 14, 2011, 12:28:17 AM
Was yours one of the houses on YouTube, with the pool sloshing around, Nana?  Have you been feeling the aftershocks?  I signed up to get e-mails on those over a 4.0, I believe.  I'm still getting e-mails, quite often on a daily basis...

Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Nana on March 14, 2011, 01:44:06 AM
Dear Rose

It was not my house (have no pool lol).  But I saw one in a Crown Plaza Hotel (5 minutes from my house) and it was shocking.   We did not have electricity that night.  The earthquake was around 3:00 P.M. and I was picking up my daughter from the GreyHound Bus because she was coming from San Diego.   My son, dil and gc were at my house with my husband eating.  That night, all the people slept in their cars or next to the door in the living rooms.  There was no electricity so we took in our garden solar lamps to lighten up.  My dil's mother/father  slept for three weeks in her garage.  We had hundreds of aftershocks and we all  got crazy.   I remember seeing the street in waves ,It is going to be one year since then (exactly on Easter Sunday).  The good thing was that it was a Sunday (and Easter) so the families were together, children did not attend school, men were not at work, so all the factories and businesses were closed.  Cant imagine the chaos and casualties if it had been otherwise.  God was with us all.   7.2....cant forget.  Many houses had to be reconstructed.   Mine had to be cleaned up thoroughly because everything felt to the ground, china, glasses broken, pieces of the  wall.    When I came home from picking my daughter my husband, son, dil and gk were all outside and guess what?  My gk came running to me and smash their egg shells. on my head.   They steel wanted to have fun on Easter Sunday.   

This earthquake was also felt in San Diego (where daughter lives) but it was 6 F.   I believe it was also felt in L.A. 

Lets hope we have a better Easter Sunday this year lol.

Love


Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Rose799 on March 14, 2011, 07:53:50 AM
I live in S.D. & it felt it, too, Nana, but nothing near what you got.  Dh & I went to Home Depot.  I had just gotten into our vehicle to leave & was waiting for dh.  I thought he was goofing around, shaking the car, until I saw him standing some distance away.  Then I noticed other vehicles were also shaking & people started running out of the store.  It took a couple seconds to register what was happening.  I'm glad you didn't have major damage.  That was funny about the gk's~  I'd go crazy after all those aftershocks, too.  Thank heavens, we've only felt a couple of them.   

Here is a video of one of those pools I referred to & other links below for future reference~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk_c89iGukA&feature=fvst


Recent earthquakes - Global:
http://www.iris.edu/seismon/
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_all.php

California/Nevada:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsanim/canv/
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqscanv/Quakes/quakes_all.html

Pacific Northwest:
http://www.ess.washington.edu/recenteqs/latest.htm

Central U.S.:
http://folkworm.ceri.memphis.edu/recenteqs/

Alaska:
http://www.aeic.alaska.edu/Seis/recenteqs/index.html

Hawaii:
http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

Tsunami Warning Center:
http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on March 14, 2011, 12:04:56 PM
The news has surpassed the shock of the tragedy and are introducing the very real heartbreaking stories.  I couldn't help but to cry as one man walked from room to room at a school house looking for his wife who had been at work when the tsunami hit.   You could see the anxiety in his eyes yet he took the time to thank and acknowledge every person he passed by.  I hope that the United States does everything within our power to help these people, the dignity and strength they are displaying is the example I wish we here were capable of as well.  What a nightmare
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 14, 2011, 01:12:49 PM
It is terribly sad, and I have been watching it also.  Now dealing with the radioactivity taking place and the mass evacuations, is even more terrifying.  I also saw where we are having military personnel testing positive for radiation.  Not only are the Japanese in a bad situation, but our people over there as well.  Let's keep them all in our thoughts and prayers.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: holliberri on March 14, 2011, 01:19:49 PM
So sad. This has an impact on all of us. I can't imagine what everyone in Japan must be going through.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: FAFE on March 15, 2011, 06:04:42 AM
My DIL and GS were planning on going to Japan for the month of July.  Don't know if this will work out now.  Maybe her parents can come and stay with them instead.  They are older and are not in the best of health, so it may work out for DIL and GS to go as planned. 

It is truly a tragedy that I cannot wrap my mind around.  Kinda like watching the space shuttle blowing up, NYC World Trade Center collapsing, etc.  You are seeing it, but cannot imagine that it is really happening.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 15, 2011, 06:24:38 AM
It is terrible, for everyone.  In my job, I deal with nuclear.  We have a nuclear plant near us and part of our county falls into the 50 mile evacuation zone.  So we do nuclear drills twice a year, of which I am the 911 representative (Yeah, just call me the person that always goes, "Yeah, ok..I can do that").

Having some inside information on radiation, this event unfolding is really bugging me.  Don't get me wrong, I am very empathetic to what is happening to the people of Japan, but now my concern is turning towards the US.  People that are exposed and contaminated with radiation, can contaminate someone else.  I have seen nothing so far on the news, where we are taking precautions if people are flying in here from other countries and Japan.  And yes, other countries as well as people from the Japan area have probably fled into other areas by now.

I want to see on the news, airports screening people coming in, for radiation exposure.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 16, 2011, 11:09:49 AM
Ok, I am finding I have a real soft spot when it comes to these workers that are still in the nuclear plants, trying to stop a nuclear disaster, at the risk of their own lives.  What a selfless sacrafice.  They are truly heroes in my eyes.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: holliberri on March 16, 2011, 11:11:58 AM
I was just on CNN reading about them. I'm trying not to cry at my desk. You read my thoughts.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 18, 2011, 07:10:25 AM
It is a tragic situation, my heart goes out to the people of Japan


Pooh,

a friend sent me some info that if there is a melt down, esp #3 that is in such trouble, there will be significant contamination
in calif, oregon, and canada.  NY Times already said there will be radioactive air in these areas today but not significant enough
for health problems. 

DH and I sat down for a few minutes yesterday  and talked about a plan just incase we needed to evacuate for awhile
what we would do and where to go.  This letter or blog  (a doctor I guess ) said better to do a few preparations now as if it should happen, which hopefully will not, then you have what you need to either shelter in place or evacuate.  It also said not to expect
the government to be transparent.  They certainly were not transparent about the health risks in ny after 911 (which really troubles me as many of the first responders and later responders became and maybe even are still quite ill from what I have seen in documentaries)

I was wondering what your thoughts are about this?  I know everyone should have emergency prepardness kits anyway.
Tara
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 18, 2011, 07:25:03 AM
This is not the article sent to me mentioned above, but something from the news that doesn't minimize.

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2011/03/15/could-japans-radiation-make-it-here/


Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 18, 2011, 08:38:08 AM
I wish I could give you some truths, but right now, it depends on who you are speaking to, what the truth is.  I have been watching it as well, and although there is definitely a possibility that if they experience a total meltdown, the US could be affected.  It is the amount of radiation exposure that is up for debate.  Trustful sources will tell you that we could see some radiation levels, other trusted sources will say that after traveling airborne, for 7,000 miles, it will disperse to the point where it will not be harmful.

I am a firm believer, that the best thing you can do is have a backup plan for anything.  If you have relatives or friends in other places, give them a shout and assure them that although you are not panicking, you just want to know if anything ever caused you to have to leave your home, would you be welcome?  Not just this situation, but anything?  Also, everyone should have an emergency kit in their home.  My favorite one to put together is one endorsed by FEMA, and one I use.  Again, I am biased towards it because I was a TEMA director for awhile, so look on line and find one you like and agree with.    I also have a ready kit, because of being on the TERT team for packing and going somewhere quickly.  So I have extra supplies in there I could use at home if needed.

Now, in my world...I can't panic, so during things like this, I don't.  I arm myself with knowledge and have a plan in place.  In reading the last few days, you will see that the levels of radiation that people are experiencing in Japan (not in the plant or immediate vicinity) is less than what we get with an MRI.  I had 4 MRI's last year....my level of exposure was actually 4X greater than what is being registered in most areas within a few miles of the plant.  I'm not downplaying what is going on, but I am a realist.  With limited exposure, people could be asked to shelter in place and not go outside.  It's almost like if you have a big issue with pollen, on days that are high, you don't need to be outside much.  The pollen may still bother you, but not as bad as if you went outside.  If the levels are there but not considered dangerous, that is what usually happens for precautionary measures.  If the reactor does meltdown?  That will be a different story.  This episode aside, who's to say that an earthquake, tornado or a truck carrying harmful chemicals wrecks near your home, will not cause you to evacuate tomorrow?  Or shelter in place?  So that is why I am a big advocate of having an emergency kit anyway.

As far as 9/11 goes, if you talk to Firemen and Officers, they will tell you that they will rush into a burning building right now, to save a life and worry if it had asbestos later.  They place themselves in danger every day, and do their best to use the right protective equipment, but they get exposed to bad things.  I would hate to see 20 years from now, what the effects of Meth lab cleanup is going to do to these guys.  I hope nothing, but that's some volatile exposure even with protective gear.

Tara, if I was in those areas, I would have an emergency kit, and a backup plan if the need to evacuate arose.  And I would keep watching the news and reading as new information becomes available.  What I would not do is panic (as I am seeing the iodine tablets causing major panic in California right now) or obsess about it.  I believe in cases of 9/11 and things we deal with here, the government is not always transparent, but many times that is to not panic people and cause even more chaos than the actual event is causing.  If you have those things in place, you will know what to do.

Sorry this was so long, but I didn't want you to think I could tell you accurately, but still offer my suggestions.  This is all just based on what knowledge I do have from past experience.

This is the emergency kit I like, but anything like it is good, and customizable to you.  http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/

This the the link to my TERT ready kit.  Now some of it is specific for deployment, but if you read through it, many things could be applied to everyone:  http://www.tn-tert.com/Updater5/Information/PhysicalPrep2.pfg.pdf

I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pen on March 18, 2011, 09:02:18 AM
I agree about being prepared. My DH is not an alarmist so I have to do it myself; I'd rather be the prepared fool than the unprepared fool, IYKWIM.

A friend of mine is in constant contact with a former exchange student whose parents are inside the "stay in your house" zone. She cannot go in and get her aging parents, all the roads are blocked. She says that news is spordic and designed to minimize panic, but as citizens are communicating with the outside world they are taking it upon themselves to get out however they can. On the face of it, she says, people are being orderly and respectful of one another and following orders. Behind the scenes is a different matter.

It breaks my heart to see people walking around with surgical masks on. They may be wearing them for other reasons, but my first thought was that it was all they could do to try and prevent exposure to radiation, a sort of "ghost dance (North American Native American ritual.)

I'm watching a variety of news from a variety of sources. Right now I tend to trust the sources that are not bankrolled by the nuclear power industry. I'm just sayin.'
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 18, 2011, 09:05:20 AM
And that Pen, is what makes you a very intelligent person.  I never listen to the sources on anything that have a stake in it.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pen on March 18, 2011, 09:07:57 AM
Why thank you, Pooh...now tell my SM, LOL. She thinks I'm a moron.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 18, 2011, 09:09:12 AM
I will tell her...what's her number?   ;)
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on March 18, 2011, 09:16:33 AM
You know that these people have to be living a realistic fear of contamination.  But the mask.. that is not an indicator of anything.. they wear those mask ALL the time.. we went to help my son move from his apt and his Japanese gf had on a mask... My son was like.. would you please take off that darn thing, you are frightening people.

My son who is in Tottori, is bent on heading north to help... I'm trying to convince him that he would be part of the problem not the solution at this point.  Hearts are in the right place but...  What I find is sad is the fear of the unknown is overshadowing the plight of the tsunami victims.  These people are now facing starvation and dehydration, not to mention sanitation issues.  There is still a chance that they may still save human lives in the mountains of refuge, but they are not getting the manpower or the supplies needed.  I'd love to see the people of Japan face what they can help with and pray for what is outside of their power at this point.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: holliberri on March 18, 2011, 09:22:16 AM
I think it's quite common to wear masks when you're in a shelter. It won't protect you from radiation, but it does protect you from some germs. Truth: I wear a mask overseas. It has cutdown tremendously on my sinus infections and other things I seem to get when I fly.

I think it's best to err on the side of safety. I don't think anyone knows now. There is a discrepancy between Japan's evacuation radius and the radius that the U.S. and other countries have suggested for those living there. I can't help but think that Japan is trying to deal with mass exodus at the moment. Yes, the radiation is a problem, but for the government, so is more displaced people.

They have no idea what will happen b/c they just have no idea how bad it can get. I think you should always have an evacuation plan in place. Tara, I evacuated a few times myself during wildfires in Cali in 2008. I just simply left and went somewhere away from fire. I'd like to think my plan would be the same here, I would just probably be willing to travel a little further. Isn't it sad that I see more predictability from a wildfire than radioactive particles?

I understand why Japan doesn't want to widen the radius; they don't want more displaced people. I see U.S. doing the same thing just so panic doesn't ensue here. But, best case scenarios aren't helpful when preparing for your safety.

Tara, my mother was a cadaver search volunteer along with her canine partner. She was not at ground zero, but she was at the landfills. Our canine was inolved in a study at UPenn to predict long term effects for workers in NYC after 9/11. He died of a rare cancer in 2003. Several other canines developed skin conditions and other disorders. I do have a bit of bias here, and the study is still ongoing, but I've made up my mind about it; I do expect my mom to have some side effects from working up there. None of knew then, or were likely even thinking about, what the impact on her and her team members would be.

I think it is much the same here, except in this instance, we do have advance time to prepare for the "what ifs."

You just come here if you need a place to stay. : )

Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: luise.volta on March 18, 2011, 10:05:32 AM
We are all wondering. Especially about Hawaii and Kirk and Sandy as well as Washington. We are right on the west side on Puget Sound.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 18, 2011, 12:21:34 PM
Pooh,  thank you, I printed out those lists.  We have been prepared when we lived in the bay area due to earthquakes, but
don't have that much of that stuff left anymore.

Holliberry, thank you  8)

Luise,  my understanding is that your area might be at risk, My dh and I were looking at the map and and given the info we had
it looked like the thinking would be that the radiation would sweep right up the coast from california, oregon, wa, canada, about
Hawaii, don't know. 

Laurie,  I hope your ds listens to your sage advice, keep us posted about how he is doing.

Pen, I'm with you, dh is less likely to 'panic' but I sat down with him and we talked and I asked him to not to minimize but just
think of options and he was very open to discussion and contingency planning.

Maybe we can keep each other posted here if we see an potentially useful article? 

I will post an article sent to me, its from a 'natural health' doctor, but/and I think it was well written.

Title: Re: Earthquake / Nuclear problems in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 18, 2011, 12:24:39 PM
Here is the article I mentioned:

http://www.NaturalNews.com/z031731_radiation_preparedness.html
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: holliberri on March 18, 2011, 12:33:34 PM
Tara,

I read your article; I think those are good things to have always, no matter the emergency. I have an emergency kit packed in both of our cars, I just renew the supplies once in awhile. I hadn't thought of a place to get to if cell phones aren't working. That's a very good idea.

Also, it is good to know that the Pacific Coast, in the event of a meltdown, has 2-3 days to leave. I think being ready to hit the road upon the word "meltdown" would be best.

I wish they would just solve this crisis now; good people are working so hard to contain it, it doesn't seem fair that it would be uncontainable. And, those people in Japan have suffered more than enough.

I wanted to donate to the Red Cross, but they only donated like 5% of the money they've had this past week to Japan. I know it's a good organization and it is helping people in a lot of different areas of the world, but I wasn't comfortable with the overhead. Does anyone know of a smaller, but effective organization perhaps in Japan that I could donate too? I've been trying to do research on my own, and I'm not having much luck. I don't often send money overseas.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on March 18, 2011, 12:51:24 PM
Even Japan has said to donate to the Red Cross.. meanwhile Red Cross claims that .91 of every dollar goes to the intended use.. but not if they aren't releasing funds fast enough.. Wasn't it Red Cross that went under fire for holding funds during 9/11...  If I'm not mistaken they only released funds after FOX News went public with the story
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: luise.volta on March 18, 2011, 12:51:37 PM
i donate to Doctors without Borders since they won the Nobel Peace Prize.

www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 18, 2011, 12:58:42 PM
And I will tell you that I found most of my supplies at an Army surplus store, if you have one.  They were less expensive and had most of hard-to-find things like waterproof matches, MREs, etc.  There is one thing I would recommend, that is different than the lists and our EMA personnel here had us get.  Instead of using bleach for an emergency to make drinking water safe, they had us get the tablets that you drop in.  Keep in mind, if I get deployed like I did last May for anything, usually the water is contaminated.  I found those tablets at the Army surplus store as well.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pooh on March 18, 2011, 01:00:14 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on March 18, 2011, 12:51:37 PM
i donate to Doctors without Borders since they won the Nobel Peace Prize.

www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

I love them!  Great idea Luise.  Oh, and I heard on the news this morning, that many organizations are trying to get in and help but are not being allowed.  I do understand that in the 50 mile radius surrounding the nuclear plants, but it is sad.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on March 18, 2011, 04:01:13 PM
http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/nuclear_power_plants_locations/index.html?hpt=C2
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 18, 2011, 04:22:52 PM
Pooh,

Good idea about those water purification pills, I have a good filter from my trip to india, but I think I will get some pills this weekend for water, as water  is one of the most essential things.

I'd feel a little silly if nothing happened and I was all stocked up but as Pen said better to be the fool who prepared than
the fool who didn't!.

Also, I went to fill up my gas tank this am and couldn't as I planned to use my gas credit card and didn't have enough cash
as I wasn't planning to need it.  It makes me realize dh and I need to have more emergency cash on hand.

Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: luise.volta on March 18, 2011, 04:47:15 PM
Let's hope nothing happens no matter how foolish we feel. I agree!
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on March 18, 2011, 09:07:50 PM
Whether it's a radioactive fumes, earthquakes, or hurricanes.. they can all change our lives in a heartbeat.  I was in the grocery store today and almost felt guilty that I was buying not just staples but luxury items.  I just don't understand how supplies can not get to the people who really need them.. even if by air drops.

New tsunami footage was released today and it was horribly frightening.. I haven't  been able to figure out if the destroyed villages are within the 50 mile range of Fukushima and the nuclear stations.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Pen on March 19, 2011, 07:32:39 AM
Am I understanding correctly that they were able to get power to one of the sites and can now run a pump again? I read that on an NZ website last night www.stuff.co.nz (http://www.stuff.co.nz)

I'm not sure I want to go full-on bunker mentality, but some basic earthquake preparedness stuff is something we should have if we're near a faultline. I must admit I am thinking about the plastic sheeting and duct tape. DH would be ROTFLHAO if I came home with a carload of visqueen.

I always try to keep my gas tanks filled, but the car preparedness kits got lost years ago. I think the kids ate the granola bars after sports practice one day & for sure they outgrew the extra clothes. The spare cash got used to pay for some school thing or another and the water bottles needed replacing. It's time to restock.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: holliberri on March 19, 2011, 10:00:31 AM
I think you're right, Pen, that's what I was listening to on NPR this morning...that is if I even understood it correctly; this is all way over my head. I *thought* it sounded a little less dire than it has in previous days, although still terrible.

Plastic sheeting and duct tape are helpful for so many things. I was in a tornado in Texas and duct tape kept the glass from shattering...it still broke, but it didn't shatter, made clean up easier...then we needed that plastic sheeting immediately after.  Plus, if your heat goes out, hanging plastic sheeting over the windows does help for some insulation (we were without power for a week in 93, plastic sheeting and candles were life savers). Plus, visqueen works great for those home projects I tend to get myself into when I get the urge to paint.




Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 19, 2011, 10:02:19 AM
Holliberry,  what is  visqueen?
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: holliberri on March 19, 2011, 10:13:54 AM
It's just polyethylene (sp.?) sheeting. You know the long rolls of plastic? I throw it down to paint, and I did put it up during a high wind episode at my dads last year.

Oh! I also needed it when my ex boyfriend had a brick thrown through his back window. He didn't have money for a window for 2 weeks in January, so we used the sheeting and ducttape to keep the weather out and the warmth in.

I haven't used much of it in 10 years or so, but it has come in handy; and always when I least expect it.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 19, 2011, 12:20:30 PM
Thanks Holliberry,

I think we need to stock up on a few more things this weekend.
Title: Re: Earthquake & Radiation risks in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 20, 2011, 03:36:45 PM
Hi WW,

I'm attaching a link to an article sent by a friend you may find of interest.  Some of it is scientific
at the end there are some recommendations.

all the best

Tara

http://doctorapsley.com/RadiationTherapy.aspx
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 20, 2011, 03:51:11 PM
Hello again WW,

I'm attaching a link to a great website called Consumer Labs.  They test vitamins, herbs and supplements and tell the
public about toxicity problems, products not being the proper doses, etc.  I subscribe to it and  this info just arrived
today about radioactive protective supplements.  I trust these folks.  I haven't read it but will soon.  (I already take
iodine prescribed by my nurse practitioner as I have a thyroid disorder.) but wanted to share this with you now
as there is alot of interest in these kinds of supplements right now (for better or worse?  I'm not very knowledgeable)

https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/Potassium_Iodide_KI_and_Potassium_Iodate_KIO3_Radioprotective_Agents/PotassiumIodide/
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Tara on March 25, 2011, 10:16:00 AM
fyi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gFz-nRlnLQ&feature=player_embedded
--
http://blog.imva.info/
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: lancaster lady on April 09, 2011, 02:15:00 PM
I have just read there is a floating island of debris the size of the UK , from Japan , floating towards the US west coast .
hope my US friends are going to be ok ....!
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: LaurieS on April 09, 2011, 06:20:20 PM
The floating debris is an aspect of the tsunami that I'll bet few have thought about.   
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: Faithlooksup on April 14, 2011, 11:15:18 AM
This is all so sad as well as frightening and unfortunately I just do not forsee all of this turning around for the better..........

Tara, I am also a firm believer in Herbs and take them as well.....I will tell you (sorry this is off the subject of Japan) when I was really going thru menopause with the night sweats instead of taking hormone treatment I went directly to the Herbal shop we have out here.....Annie, the owner told me to try 2 herbs and within 3 days the night sweats came to a complete hault~~can't beat that at all, and it was all natural which I like.....and I still no longer have night sweats---Knock on wood...

Back to Japan........My other concern is the radiation which is filling the ocean---what is that going to do to the marine life----especially as far as eating fish is concerned?
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: luise.volta on April 14, 2011, 11:41:51 AM
And fish are already full of heavy metals and we have to get them from cold, clear seas...like around Iceland to be safe.
Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 14, 2011, 12:16:02 PM
I worry about the purity of those popular fish oils Louise!  I have been taking my iodine/iodide supplement for almost a year, now.  I try to get the word out of this, but so many tell me Iodine is bad.  Or, I use iodized salt *EEEK! 

Title: Re: Earthquake in Japan
Post by: luise.volta on April 14, 2011, 12:53:36 PM
I take Carlson's Cod Liver Oil from northern waters. I get it from Mercola.com.