Just because the recent alert for an increased earthquake risk has been called off, doesn't mean we shouldn't prepared. I am going out after work today to complete my earthquake preparedness kit.

Then I am going to make plans to get the heck out of Vancouver in April 2008.

I will cheerfully admit to feeling a little smug that some months ago, I laid in an emergency supply of drinking water--a total of 16 liters, which at current rates of consumption should keep me in coffee and herbal tea for some time yet.

I took this step as a response to an emergency preparedness workshop at my local library, put on by the City of Vancouver to help residents understand how to prepare for an earthquake or what-have-you. Highly recommended, by the way.