How would YOU respond to a Fukushima-type disaster

As we look at Japan with pity as they try to deal with the Fukushima Diachi nuclear disaster, it raises a very important question: HOW WOULD I REACT TO SUCH A DISASTER? Living in the New York Metropolitan area, there are a number of nuclear reactors within a few hours drive. And most of them could throw fallout my way in the case of a major accident. So what do I do? Luckily, some websites have posted maps showing the likely evacuation areas around NYC, Chicago, and LA for various nuclear plants.

This is useful info to have. If nothing else, it tells me that my best bet is to head NORTH in case of a disaster, as heading South might simply take me deeper into another reactor's radioactive shadow.

16% of USA Radiation Monitors Offline for Japan Nuclear Crisis

So far, the nuclear crisis in Japan has posed little threat to the shores of the United States. While traces of radiation have been detected, carried by the winds, none have neared life-threatening or even health-threatening levels. But the disaster has showed up something important - the American radiation-monitoring system may not be adequate for our own disaster. 16% of all detectors were offline for the disaster.

In California, home to two seaside nuclear plants located close to earthquake fault lines, federal officials said four of the 11 stationary monitors were offline for repairs or maintenance last week. The Environmental Protection Agency did not immediately say why the monitors were inoperable, but did not fix them until several days after low levels of radiation began drifting toward the mainland U.S.

About 20 monitors out of 124 nationwide were out of service earlier this week, including units in Harlingen, Tex. and Buffalo, N.Y. on Friday, according to the EPA.

While the failure rate is scary to say the least - especially in an age where we fear dirty bombs and/or suitcase nukes - this served as a good test of the system. Now, we have a chance to fix the problem, rather than letting the problems languish for lack of attention.

Good tips to prepare for a Church emergency

The reported church shooting from this past weekend has left a lot of people wondering how to prepare their own houses of worship for such an attack. This site has up a good list of questions to ask yourself and to ask your church leadership.

1. Does your church have a series of written, known, and practiced emergency plans?
2. How secure is your children’s ministry?
3. Does your church have security?
4. Does your church have a warm relationship with the local police?
5. Does your church have a policy for potentially dangerous people?

Please note, this list does not mean that Mod-Blog endorses the policies and procedures (or even assumptions) of the parent site. But it is a good checklist to think about for the future. Even if you decide that some of the assumptions (i.e. a security force in a church is appropriate) is not for your house of worship.