Simulating "The Really Big One?"

What if...

"The magnitude-6.3 earthquake that struck villages in Italy was horrible enough, but can you imagine what would happen to a city like Seattle if it were hit by a magnitude-9 shocker? That's exactly what Caltech's Thomas Heaton and Jing Yang try to do in a new series of simulations - and the picture isn't pretty." (Source: MSNBC).

The complete article and information on research on this topic can be found at:

http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/04/09/1886433.aspx

Loads of Hope - Amazing Program for Basic Needs

The past few weeks, we looked at corporations providing help to those impacted by a disaster.

Tide Loads of Hope Program

"Nearly 30,000 loads of laundry cleaned for families affected by disasters, and counting….
In times of disaster people turn to the most basic of human needs—and one of those is clean clothes. The Tide Loads of Hope program provides relief by means of a mobile laundromat. One truck and a fleet of vans house over 32 energy-efficient washers and dryers that are capable of cleaning over 300 loads of laundry every day. We wash, dry and fold the clothes for these families for free. Because, as we’ve learned, sometimes even the littlest things can make a big, big difference." (Source: Tide.com)

To learn more about Loads of Hope, find out how you can help, and watch some videos, take a look at:

http://www.tide.com/en-US/loads-of-hope/about.jspx

Free Child's Make It Yourself Go-Kit

Looking at the current state of the economy, you might not put a children's Go-Kit on the top of your priority list.

Now you have no excuse. Lowe's is offering a free "Ready-To-Go Kit" that the children get to make themselves. What a great no cost activity.

"Safety month starts in June. Get prepared by building this Ready 2 Go kit!"

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Saturday May 23, 2009

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

For additional information, visit:

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com

Sorry Folks, It looks like back to school.

Headlines read

"CDC Upsets Local Children, Sends Them Back to School

US pig flu cases prove to be as deadly as a stubbed ring finger"

The complete story can be found at:

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/CDC-Upsets-Children-Nationwide-Forces-Them-To-Go-To-School.html

Virginia's 2009 Sales Tax Holidays

"May 25-31, 2009: Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness Equipment.

During this seven-day period, purchases of items designated by the Department of Taxation as hurricane preparedness equipment, including portable generators, will be exempt from the Virginia sales tax. Portable generators must be priced at $1,000 or less, and other eligible items must be priced at $60 or less for each item. For details, visit our Hurricane Preparedness Equipment Holiday page." (Source: Virginia.gov)

There are other states like New York and Florida who have also offered tax holidays for emergency preparedness.

Consumer Reports Video on Swine Flu Masks

Swine Flu Masks

Today is May Day! Is your library or museum "Ready"?

FEMA and other agencies work with cultural institutions to prepare for emergencies.

"Libraries, museums, archives, and arts and historic preservation organizations across the nation will set aside May 1, 2009, to participate in MayDay, a national effort to prepare for disasters."

Additional information can be found at:

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=48125