As we are riveted by the events in Japan, what can we learn and apply to our own situation? First, I am struck by the civility, courage, and kindness of the Japanese people. In spite of the chaos, society in Japan has not broken down into lawlessness. The Japanese apparently do not look for excuses to smash open shop windows and load up on loot. Social order and basic respect for one's fellow man can still pervade a people even in the midst of destruction and danger. That is inspiring. I hope my nation can learn from that.

We can also learn about emergency preparation. The disaster was extreme, unexpected, and sudden. The tsunami would follow the earthquake by just a few minutes, making speedy evacuation critical to survival. Though many of you may not live in earthquake zones, we all live in regions where extreme disasters can strike, where we may have just a few moments to evacuate. Do you have a 72-hour kit ready to go? Something you can grab and run that will have what you need to live for three days or so until help arrives? This might be a backpack or other bag you can carry filled with things like basic first aid supplies, granola bars or other long-lasting items you can eat, bottled water, clothing, a radio, a flashlight, phone numbers and contact information, etc. This would be a good time to do a drill with your family in which authorities knock at your door (why not have your home teacher do this as part of the drill?) and give you 5 minutes, maybe less, to evacuate. Can you grab a bag and run? Have you thought through what you would do?

One of the most important things to consider is where to meet after a disaster. This is essential in the case of a fire. Make sure everyone knows where to gather after escaping a house fire. A friend of mine died in a fire in his home because of inadequate preparation in this area. All of his family and another family got out safely, but some gathered in the back of the house and others in the front. He didn't know about the people on the other side of the house. He thought there was still a child inside, and ran back into the burning house armed with a water hose. There was a flash of fire and suddenly he was engulfed in flames. Heroic, yes, but unnecessary.

Whether it's a chemical spill, a riot, an epidemic, flooding, fire, or whatever, we are all at risk. Be prepared. Storing food and water is more important than ever in these dangerous times.

May we keep the Japanese people in our prayers and look for better ways to help from afar.

Meanwhile, consider donating through the LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund.
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