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We all heard about the earthquake in China last Monday. The director of NorthStar Preparedness had just landed in Beijing 2 days before on Saturday. I called his family in Iowa after not hearing from him and he's fine and due home today so we're happy to hear that.

CNN News

Chendu, China - Rainy weather and poor logistics thwarted efforts by relief troops who walked for hours over rock, debris and mud on Tuesday in hopes of reaching the worst-hit area of an earthquake that killed nearly 10,000 in central China, state-run media reported.

The earthquake was powerful enough to be felt throughout most of China. Many children were buried under the rubble of their schools. The Chinese government said the death toll was sure to rise.

An expert told CNN the 7.9-magnitude quake at about 2:28 p.m. Monday (6:28 a.m. GMT) was the largest the region has seen "for over a generation."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/12/china.quake/index.html

Australia News

Beijing, China - Forty-six seriously injured people needed to be evacuated immediately in Beichuan, at the epicentre of the Sichuan quake, where the water level of a lake is rising rapidly and may burst at any time, Xinhua news agency reported, quoting warnings from soldiers at the site.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,23714869-401,00.html?from=public_rss

Associated Press

Zagreb, Croatia - Governments have changed. War erupted and ended. Neighbors had children, and then grandchildren. But Hedviga Golik never left her tiny apartment in Croatia's capital — until her mummified body was carried out this week, 35 years after she died.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356358,00.html

Fox News

Madrid, Spain - Spanish police have arrested five people suspected of hacking into or outright disabling thousands of Internet pages, some of them run by government agencies in the U.S., Latin America and Asia, authorities said Saturday.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356490,00.html

Fox News

Washington, DC - Electronic passports for U.S. travelers frequenting Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean soon will replace the old-style paper identification, but some think the cards could fall prey to counterfeiters, The Washington Times reported.

The State Department soon will begin making the credit card-sized ID, which has a photo of the user and a radio frequency identification chip that holds information about its owner. The first cards will be issued in July, the story reported.

But security experts warn the picture can be removed with a solvent and replaced with another, and the cards are easily duplicated, The Washington Times reported.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356486,00.html

Northeast Intelligence Network

Rochester, NY - The FBI charged Nadire Zelenaj, a 9-1-1 dispatcher in Rochester, (Monroe County) New York with 232 counts of computer trespassing for unauthorized access of law enforcement sensitive databases containing information about terrorist suspects and related investigations.

She allegedly accessed other secure databases containing proprietary data, including but not limited to New York State drivers license data.

http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/Rochester050808

Associted Press

Pomona, CA - Small but dangerous wildfires broke out in bone-dry brushlands around Southern California on Friday as temperatures soared to triple-digit levels in some areas.

Firefighters chased outbreaks of fire in five counties as the region withered under the influence of a high- pressure system expected to last into the weekend.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356485,00.html

Fox News

Palm Bay City, FL - A man authorities believe may have set at least some of the wildfires along Florida's Atlantic coast is in custody on suspicion of arson.

Since the fires began Sunday about 20 homes have been destroyed and 160 other structures damaged. The damage was estimated at approximately $3.5 million, said Palm Bay City Manager Lee Feldman, who said homes and outbuildings were among the damaged structures. Officials had earlier reported 40 homes destroyed.

Efforts to contain the fires that have burned about 15 square miles were improving, officials said. Still, major highways in the area were being intermittently closed because of smoke and the proximity of the flames.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,355565,00.html

Associated Press

Springfield, IL - Illinois has created a panel dedicated to preparing for earthquakes.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich (bluh-GOY'-uh-vich) on Sunday announced the formation of the Illinois Seismic Safety Task Force. It will assess preparedness in high-risk sections of the state.

Illinois was rattled last month by a magnitude 5.2 earthquake and a series of aftershocks centered in the state's far southeastern corner. The quakes caused minor damage.

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008May04/0,4670,MidwestEarthquake,00.html

Earthquakes continue to rattle Las Vegas and the coast of California and just about 7 hours ago a 2.3 rattled Neah Bay here in Washington. There is some incredible seismic activity going on. I suggest that everyone keep an eye on their areas and use the US Geological Survey's site to see what's going on in your area. Just in the past couple days there have been several earthquakes in Tennessee and I was surprised to see TWO in Mississippi and Alabama. A 3.1 shook Sheman, Mississippi last Saturday and 3.1 shook yesterday near Coffeeville, Alabama. There are definitely some changes going on under our surface.

Now we have another round of potential disasters that with the upcoming hurricane season.

Associated Press

San Juan, Puerto Rico - A noted hurricane researcher predicted Wednesday that rising water temperatures in the Atlantic will bring a "well above average" storm season this year, including four major storms.

The updated forecast by William Gray's team at Colorado State University calls for 15 named storms in the Atlantic in 2008 and says there's a better than average chance that at least one major hurricane will hit the United States.

An average of 5.9 hurricanes form in the Atlantic each year.

"The Atlantic is a bit warmer than in the past couple of years," said Phil Klotzbach, a member of the forecast team. "That is something we would like to keep an eye on."

Gray had projected seven hurricanes with three major storms in a preliminary forecast in December.

One of the most closely watched hurricane forecasters, Gray has been issuing hurricane predictions for more than 20 years.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/09/tech/main4004068.shtml?source=RSSattr=U.S._4004068

So how do you prepare?

To adequately prepare for a hurricane, you must first understand what one is. A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone which is a general term for a circulating weather system over tropical waters. In the Northern Hemisphere they circulate counter-clockwise. They are classified as follows:

Tropical Depression - An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph of less.

Tropical Storm - An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.

Hurricane - An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. In the western Pacific, hurricanes are called "typhoons" and in the Indian Ocean they're called "cyclones".

Powered by heat from the sea, hurricanes are moved by the easterly trade winds, the temperate westerlies and their own energy. From the core the winds have great velocity and as they move ashore they sweep the ocean inward giving birth to tornadoes and torrential rains and flooding.

Of the 10 tropical storms that occur each year, on the average, 6 will become hurricanes, developing over the Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. While most remain over the ocean, 5 will strike the United States coastlines every 3-4 years. Of the 5 that strike, 2 will be a Category 3 or greater on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

Since there is little we can do to prevent hurricanes, our best defenses are understanding the storm, early warning and preparation.


HOW THE HURRICANE FORMS AND GROWS

Warm water, moisture and a wind pattern that spirals inward are the three things that a hurricane needs to grow. When thunderstorms form, moving the warm air higher into the atmosphere and the winds at these levels are light, the structure remains in tact and can strengthen.

The eye of the hurricane is the center and is very calm. The most dangerous area is the eyewall. At 50,000 feet the air is moved outward and that increases the upward motion.

When the hurricane makes landfall you get the Storm Surge. This is an area 50-100 miles wide that moves in. A combination of strong storm and shallow water creates a higher, more dangerous surge which is the greatest threat to man and structure. If the surge happens to come at high tide then the water is even higher. This is called a Storm Tide.

Hurricane force winds can topple poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris becomes flying missiles and wind gusts can down trees and power lines causing disruption in the basic utilities.

Rains moving inland can produce 10 inches or more and cause deadly flooding. This is a great inland danger, also.

Hurricanes can also spawn tornadoes from the thunderstorms on the outer bands of the hurricane and within the eyewall.

PERSONAL RISK

While warning systems have increased advance knowledge of storms and hurricanes, the roads around the urban areas have not kept pace when it comes to evacuation ability. 80-90 percent of the current coastal population has never experienced the "core" of a severe storm and have grown complacent and delay evacuation. Having gone through smaller storms, they truly don't realize the severity of a Category 4 or 5 storm.

The hurricane threat has been low over the past 20-30 years but hurricanes, like other weather patterns come in cycles. When hurricane activity returns to the levels of the 1940's through the 1960's then the increased coastal populations will be at greater risk.

Your best defense is to prepare yourself, your family and your community.

WARNING SYSTEMS AND CODES

The National Hurricane Center uses satellites, reconnaissance planes, radar and hurricane models to evaluate the potential for a tropical depression or storm to grow into a hurricane.

The National Weather Service, NOAA Weather Radio and your local weather and news stations are the best source for current storm information. Listen for the following watches and warning:

Tropical Storm Watch - This means that the conditions are possible for the formation of a tropical storm in the area of the watch. It is usually issued for a 36-hour period.

Tropical Storm Warning - Storm conditions are EXPECTED within the area of the warning, usually within 24 hours.

Hurricane Watch - Conditions for hurricane formation is possible within the specified area. It is issued for a 36-hour period. You should take this time to prepare and stock up on perishable supplies.

Hurricane Warning - A hurricane is EXPECTED in the area of the warning within 24 hours. Be sure you have completed your Disaster Preparedness Plan and be ready to evacuate.

Be sure to listen for the short-term watches and warnings that are issued. They give information on possible storm surges, floods, tornadoes, high winds, etc.

YOUR PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS

Know the risk to your area.

Know your evacuation routes.

Know where emergency shelters are.

Follow your Family Disaster Preparedness Plan.

If your are in the WATCH area, make sure you listen to the radio and local news. Fuel up your vehicles and check your maps for evacuation routes. If you live in a mobile home, make sure your tie downs are secure. Have a supply of cash and move your Grab and Go Packs near the door. Make sure your Automobile Evacuation Kit is in the vehicle and be prepared to pack a cooler so that you can evacuate. Get your pets ready to travel by putting them in pet carriers or locked in a room so that they don't run off. Check outside for any lawn furniture or lightweight objects that could become projectiles in high winds.

Be prepared to evacuate if you live in a mobile home, a high-rise building (winds are stronger at higher elevations) at or on the coastal areas.

When the WATCH has been upgraded to a WARNING, stay tuned to local weather radio and news stations. Finish all disaster preparations. If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately. Notify family and friends who are NOT in the storm area where you will be going. Make sure you have all important papers. Note that most shelters will NOT allow pets. Make other arrangements or plan on having them ride out the storm in the home or in your vehicle. Make sure you have food and water for them.

Only stay in your home if you have NOT been instructed to leave. Stay in the interior rooms away from doors and windows. Prepare by doing the following:

Turn the refrigerator up to the highest setting.

Turn off utilities like water and gas if instructed to do so.

Turn off propane tanks.

Unplug small appliances.

Fill your bathtubs and sinks with water for using if water service is disrupted.

Close all internal doors and brace all external doors.

If you live in a two-story home, stay on the first floor in an interior room.

If you live in a multiple-story building and are away from storm surges, take refuge on the first or second floors in the hallways.

Be aware of the eye of the storm. On the other side of the eye the winds will reverse direction and return to hurricane strength very quickly.

AFTER THE STORM AND DANGER HAS PASSED

Listen to the radio or local news.

Wait until the area has been declared safe to return if you evacuated.

Avoid bridges and washed out roads.

Avoid moving more than 6 inches deep since you can still be swept away. Also avoid standing water since downed power lines may have it electrically charged.

Check utilities before you use them in case they were damaged. Do not drink tap water until it has been checked for bacteria.

Don't use the telephone unless it's an emergency.

When the storm has completely passed and the danger is gone, evaluate how your family handled this emergency and update your Family Disaster Plan so you'll be more prepared for the next storm.

The same preparedness tips, kits and evacuation procedures for all emergencies follow through here.

Today, before the season starts, is when you should start preparing. Stock up on basic supplies.

Plan your evacuation route. I know that all through hurricane country there are signs showing the evacuation routes but also map another route in case those roads are jammed up. Know this route, drive it just to test it out so that you don't worry about getting turned around in an emergency.

Make sure that you have a vehicle emergency kit that is in there at all times and make sure if you already have one that you check it and rotate out foods that may be older. Eat them now and put in fresh items.

Make sure you have family bags, evacuation/bug out bags that are ready to go for each member. Take into account for infants, children and pets. Remember that most shelters will not take your animals. Either have family or friends to evacuate to or make arrangements. I would consider either a garage that's been pre-prepped with no hanging items that could fall or that's been secured to lock them in as long as you're in an area that won't be under water. Put out a bag of food and fill several pans with gallons of water and go. I love my dogs more than a lot of things but if I had to leave them I would have to leave them if I hadn't made arrangements. For that reason alone, I have made arrangements.

If you're going to stay behind then buy supplies now. Every year we see the lines out the doors with people stocking up, buying wood to cover windows, etc. Buy that stuff now. You know you'll need it eventually. Why panic and become a victim of price gouging, etc.

And when you see that a storm is coming, even if it's a week out, start preparing water jugs, keep your gas tank full, make sure you know where everything is.

Now we also had an email from Julie in Georgia. Hi Julie, thanks for listening! She would like to know more about preparing on a budget.

I promise to do a show just on that but I'd like to start you on your way with some information.

Regarding important documents. In the situation, like Hurricane Katrina, where homes were completely wiped away, even in the recent tornadoes, you need copies of deeds, land ownership, birth certificates, etc. Originals should be kept in safe-deposit boxes or a small safe that you can grab on your way. Store it in the closet with your grab-n-go kits so that it goes with you. Also, one of the adults should have photocopies of important papers in their evac bag. I don't recommend leaving these kinds of things in your car in case something gets stolen.

For your household you need to evaluate what you already have. Do an inventory and then make a list of what you need. I've worked with people who have nothing and need everything. Stress and panic won't help these things appear.

Start with the most important things, water, food, medical, shelter and work from there. Rework your weekly budget so that you can pick up extra items. Buy the cheaper items for storage, like store brand, just to start. In an emergency any food is better than no food. And shop the sales. Don't be fixed to one item each week. If tuna is on sale buy 4 cans. If spaghetti is on sale, buy 2 bags and 4 cans of sauce. Pasta and can food store well. So does rice which you have to remember doubles in size when cooked so 4 cups of rice will net you 8 cups of food once it's cooked. What a deal for storage. If canned vegetables are on sale buy extra. Try to set aside $10 each week to buy food.

For water, if you drink soda, reuse the 2 liter bottles to store water. There's free storage bottles and free water right there. Peel off the labels and wash the bottles with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and refill with tap water. If you're on well water then I do recommend adding bleach. Regular, unscented, NOT concentrated bleach. You can still buy it and a gallon of bleach will purify 3,800 gallons of water. You only need 4 drops in a 2 liter bottle of water.

If you have to buy water, buy the cheapest spring water you can find by the gallon or 2.5 gallon jug. You can get these at the big box store for about .75 cents a gallon or $2.00 for the 2.5 gallon jugs which have a spigot on them.

Medical supplies include any regular medications plus anything you know your family needs. A general first aid kit is nice but not the first thing to get.

Shelter is first and foremost your home. Plan to shelter-in-place for most situations. In this conversation though, with hurricanes, you may have to leave. Try to plan ahead and get someplace to stay. Know where emergency shelters are located.

And visit our website at www.preparednessnetwork.org/northstar for all the American Red Cross and FEMA recommendations. Remember that one disaster can be compounded by other disasters. A hurricane can trigger a flash flood, a dam or levy break like we saw in Katrina, a hazmat situation if a disaster like a hurricane, tornado or earthquake hits a refinery or chemical plant and more.

The four rules of emergency preparedness are:

Personal mitigation is mainly about knowing and avoiding unnecessary risks. This includes assessing possible risks to personal/family health and to personal property. One example of mitigation would be to avoid buying property in a flood zone, on a major fault line or on a hillside where there are potential landslides. Homeowners may not be aware of a property being exposed to a hazard until it strikes.

In areas prone to prolonged electricity black-outs installation of a generator would be an example of an optimal structural mitigation measure. The construction of storm cellars and fallout shelters are further examples of personal mitigative actions.

Unlike mitigation which is aimed at preventing a disaster from occurring, personal
preparedness focuses on preparing equipment and procedures for use when a disaster occurs. Preparedness measures can take many forms including the construction of shelters, installation of warning devices, creation of back-up life-line services (e.g. power, water, sewage), and rehearsing evacuation plans. For evacuation, a disaster supplies kit may be prepared and for sheltering purposes a stockpile of supplies may be created. The preparation of a survival kit, commonly referred to as a "72-hour kit", is advocated by authorities. These kits may include food, medicine, flashlights, candles and money.

The response phase of an emergency may commence with search and rescue but in all cases the focus will quickly turn to fulfilling the basic humanitarian needs of the affected population. This assistance may be provided by national or international agencies and organisations. Effective coordination of disaster assistance is often crucial, particularly when many organisations respond and local emergency management agency (LEMA) capacity has been exceeded by the demand or diminished by the disaster itself.

On a personal level the response can take the shape either of a home confinement or an evacuation. In a home confinement a family would be prepared to fend for themselves in their home for many days without any form of outside support. In an evacuation, a family leaves the area by automobile (or other mode of transportation) taking with them the maximum amount of supplies they can carry, possibly including a tent for shelter. If mechanical transportation is not available, evacuation on foot would ideally include carrying at least three days of supplies and rain-tight bedding, a tarpaulin and a bedroll of blankets being the minimum.

The recovery phase starts after the immediate threat to human life has subsided. During reconstruction it is recommended to consider the location or construction material of the property.

The most extreme home confinement scenarios include war, famine and severe epidemics and may last a year or more. Then recovery will take place inside the home. Planners for these events usually buy bulk foods and appropriate storage and preparation equipment, and eat the food as part of normal life. A simple balanced diet can be constructed from vitamin pills, whole-meal wheat, beans, dried milk, corn, and cooking oil.[7] One should add vegetables, fruits, spices and meats, both prepared and fresh-gardened, when possible.