Birch Bay Wa – Windstorm and Flooding

Earthquakes have been my area of expertise for over 20 years – teaching people how to prepare your family and pets to survive an earthquake or whatever disaster comes your way. Yesterday this message was once again confirmed. If you, your family and pets are ready for an Earthquake, you will be prepared for whatever disaster comes your way.

Birch Bay, like many coastal communities in BC and Washington State, was slammed with a massive windstorm that caused widespread damage – flooding, downed trees, extensive power outages, to name a few. Birch Bay, a small community, was hit hard. Windows were blown out of restaurants; the main road was closed due to the road washing out and was covered in logs from the beach; trees were blown down closing other roads – making it almost impossible for the residents to go anywhere.

As I was standing watching the waves crash against the main street, it brought home the importance of being prepared. Unlike many families, we were able to access our place in Birch Bay, there was a bit of a detour, but at least we could.

It is also interesting the reaction people have to disaster events. A common phrase I hear teaching Earthquake Preparedness Sessions is it will never happen here. Everyone I spoke to uttered the same sentence – I can’t believe it, I have never seen anything like it. Wow-what are we going to do? People and residents were in shock, watching these waves devour their community, their homes and livelihoods.

The Key Message is the same – Disaster can Happen, and they Do Happen. What are you going to do to get you, your family and pets ready for a disaster? It could be an earthquake; it could be a flood or fire. We don’t know – but we do know is families who are prepared will better survive whatever disaster comes their way.

Your Key Message is “Disaster can happen, and they do happen.” What are you going to do to get you, your family, and pets ready for a disaster? It could be an earthquake; it could be a flood or fire. We don’t know – but what we do know is – families who are prepared will better survive whatever disaster comes their way.

Have friends or family who would benefit from this post – please share with them!

Stay Safe!

Jackie Kloosterboer