There are events in every lifetime which leave indelible marks on each of us. Ask anyone, anywhere and they could likely tell you what they were doing the morning of Sept. 11 as America was stunned and staggered by terrorist attacks. The same goes for those who were alive during the attack on Pearl Harbor or for the assassination of President Kennedy. We’re also willing to bet if you ask anyone in Western Washington where they were just before 11 a.m. on Feb. 28, when a magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook our region, they would be able to share their personal experience in vivid detail. Ask those same people what they’ve done since the tremor to prepare for a future quake or other natural (or unnatural) disaster and you’ll just as likely hear — "nothing."

In the moments and even days following the February earthquake, didn’t you promise yourself you would plan to be better prepared for the next catastrophic event? We’ll it’s been over six months since the big shake — how’s that emergency plan coming along?

If ever there was a compelling reason to be prepared for a life-altering disruption, the potential for domestic terrorism seems like a solid motivator. Stories continue to circulate regarding the ongoing disruption to the lives of those living or working in the area surrounding "Ground Zero" in New York. It’s been over a month since the terrorist attacks and many are still struggling without phones and in some instances power and water. Could you make it a month without electricity or running water?

We don’t even need to look East for encouragement, it exists right here in our own backyard. Remember how frightened and helpless we felt in the moments that followed the February earthquake — unable to contact our family members due to overloaded telephone circuits — wondering how our precious loved ones and equally precious family pets fared? There’s no time like the present to get organized and begin planning for disaster.

Practical advice comes from the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency by way of a simple checklist for families available at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/familyplan.html or by visiting your local chapter of the American Red Cross. Helpful tips aimed at raising awareness, developing, practicing and maintaining a plan, as well as working with your neighbors are covered in detail.

Disasters are unpredictable, often striking without warning. Advanced planning and preparation can serve to mitigate the impact and may even lower your level of anxiety.