Importance of emergency preparedness Published March 30, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Andrew Kehl Kadena Fir Department KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- With the unfortunate events happening in Japan right now, you have to ensure you're prepared if similar events were to happen in Okinawa. There are a few different fault lines near the Ryukyu Islands that can create an earthquake and possibly a tsunami at any time. For this reason, it is important to stay prepared. To help prepare yourself and your family for any type of emergency situation, the Kadena Fire Department reccomend you to make a "Emergency preparedness checklist". The following are some ideas that should be included in your checklist: Post emergency numbers (fire, police, ambulance, etc.) by telephones. You may not have time to look up critical numbers in an emergency. Teach all responsible family members how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches or valves. Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. If you are a renter, think about getting renters insurance to ensure your personal belonging are protected. Check for working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. More than 70% of home fire deaths come from a residence that either has no smoke alarms, or smoke alarms never sounded. Conduct a home hazard hunt. During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a home hazard. Assemble a disaster supply kit and stock emergency supplies. Keep supplies readily available in a portable container to meet your needs for at least three days. If you have other ideas to help prepare yourself, implement them. There are no "bad ideas" when it comes to your family's safety. The Kadena Fire department is here if you need help in making your checklist. Fire Prevention is located in building 739 and the doors are always open if you have any further questions or concerns regarding Fire Safety or Emergency preparedness.