Right now, Japan is facing such a crisis in loss of life, exposure to radiation and serious property damages, after the worst earthquake in recorded history. Here in America, we must learn from what Japan has just experienced, so that we can be prepared for unforeseen emergencies from earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, and even nuclear reactor meltdowns.
Japan is experiencing three disasters at one time. Last week, an 8.9-magnitude earthquake triggered a fast-moving tsunami, which washed away thousands of cars, homes and buildings. Three of Japan’s 55 nuclear reactors in northeastern seaport areas of Japan are now facing possible meltdowns. The radioactive core meltdowns are releasing uranium into the environment, which causes serious health risks and will affect business operations throughout Japan.
A nuclear meltdown occurs when a steel reactor in the plant melts from heat or pressure, explodes and releases hydrogen. This reacts with oxygen in the air that releases radioactivity into the atmosphere. That radioactive air can spread over an even wider area, like the Chernobyl incident that contaminated most of Europe.
Almost 400,000 people are estimated to be homeless, at least 10,000 people are unaccounted for, and many more are being exposed to radiation. Throughout the country, there is great anxiety, fear and concern for each other.
The mounting task in an earthquake or tsunami is to find where the victims are and how to get to them, when they are buried in the housing debris, trapped alive in cars, or in the water. Generally, electricity is out, much transportation is shut down because roads or cars have been destroyed, and most businesses are at a stand still because of lack of labor, and damaged buildings or factories.
In America, there are 104 nuclear power plants, with two of those plants in California near earthquake prone areas. Our federal government has been pushing for growth of nuclear power plants, which will cost several billion dollars to build or retrofit. Right now, we need a temporary moratorium on these new investments until the electric power industry can review this situation. While anti-nuclear people will certainly oppose the administration’s nuclear power plan, it would be wise for all of us to support a hold on new construction, until we learn what happens in Japan.
We need to be sure we are adequately prepared for such emergencies in our country. Federal Emergency Management Agency has 10 regional offices to work on disaster relief. Government agencies on a local, state or federal level can provide assistance to both citizens and businesses that are in need of help. We have had our own Three Mile Island nuclear power plant mishap and know what can happen. We need to retrofit our old power plants to bring them up to date with new building codes, for safety and efficiency.
It is important for individuals and communities to plan ahead and be prepared to protect themselves in times of major public emergencies. A planned evacuation route should be designed ahead of time for the safety of each family. Knowledge of how to shut off water, gas and electricity in homes or businesses should be learned.
Twice a year, water and food supplies that don’t need heating should be replaced, to keep supplies fresh. Medical supplies and sufficient clothing to last five days or more, should be stored as well. A radio, flashlight, cell phone, mobile five-gallon gas tank partially filled and important documents (insurance records, deeds and cash) should be assembled in case of an emergency. In a handy place, keep identification information like a driver’s license, phone numbers of the police, fire rescue, American Red Cross and FEMA, along with close relatives’ names and addresses to be contacted in case of emergency.
If there is a nuclear power plant at risk in your area, try to get at least 50 miles away. In a tsunami, it is best to head for high level ground or high rise buildings above the fifth floor for protection against the flooding. After the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, low lying city areas were completely leveled, and almost all homes and business buildings were destroyed, so being prepared for any emergency is vital for one’s safety.
Japan’s disaster is a wake-up call to be prepared for public emergencies. Planning in advance can save lives. A warning system should be setup by our government, along with contingency plans for citizen safety.
Remember, emergencies can occur anytime, in any place and to anyone.
— Bernard Featherman is a business columnist and past president of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached by e-mail: bernard@featherman.com.
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