The citizens of Federal Way were shocked and horrified as we learned of the destruction that occurred in Japan during last Friday’s 9.0 magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami.

I know that all our citizens are sending their thoughts and prayers to the people of Japan, including our sister city Hachinohe, which suffered damage in the disaster.

Many of you have sent donations to relief efforts. World Vision, the Federal Way-based international relief and development organization, has set up a fund for survivors of the Japan quake and has some very brave staff in Japan right now providing direct assistance to survivors.

While we are rightfully focusing our attention on survivors and recovery efforts, the Japanese disaster should also serve as a stark reminder to look at our own individual preparations for natural disasters. The Pacific Northwest region is criss-crossed with geological faults. The off-shore Cascadia Subduction Zone can produce mega-quakes of the magnitude and intensity that devastated Japan. While we are not as exposed to tsunamis, a major earthquake could cause a Puget Sound tsunami.

In addition to earthquakes and tsunamis, residents of Federal Way can also be severely affected by extreme weather like the 2006 winter storm that left much of the city without power for several days.

Natural disasters can strike at any time with little or no warning, and cause numerous casualties and fatalities, displace persons, damage property and the environment, and disrupt essential public services. A disaster like a major earthquake will undoubtedly require a prolonged response and recovery effort before the community can regain a sense of normalcy. In an effort to make the Federal Way community more disaster resistant, the following preparedness actions are suggested for residents.

First, get informed of the possible natural and technological hazards that exist in the Pacific Northwest. A simple way to accomplish this is to visit the city’s emergency management website (www.cityoffederalway.com/prepare) and download the emergency resource guide. This resource guide addresses what to do before, during and after the most likely hazards.

Secondly, make a family response plan and emergency kit. The plan should consider how the family will reunite if a disaster happens and the family is at work and school. Another part of the plan should address establishing an out-of-area point of contact, a shelter in place and an evacuation plan.

The city’s Emergency Management Division will be giving a presentation on residential sheltering and family evacuation planning. This free presentation will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 21. To register, contact Ray Gross at (253) 835-2712 or ray.gross@cityoffederalway.com.

One final recommendation is for residents to get trained in basic disaster response skills. Federal Way offers two programs to help train citizens. One program is called Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and the other program is Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) training. The CERT program teaches disaster medical and triage, light search and rescue, fire prevention and suppression along with other useful skill sets. The NET program teaches individuals how to build an emergency team in their neighborhood. You can also contact Ray Gross for information on either.

CERT and NET training are free, as is the April workshop. The information and skills you learn, however, could be life-saving.