Solar Activity: News on the solar front is the poles are about to flip.  This is a normal occurance that happens every ll years.  The difference  this year is that the poles will flip one year early and there will be four poles! Two negative and two positive poles, scientist say this happened 300 years ago and there were lower temperatures.  

Avian flu:  “The work by Yoshihiro Kawaoka at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was submitted last year to the journal, but was delayed after the US government’s biosecurity advisers said key sections of the paper should be struck out to prevent the details being exploited by bioterrorists.” 

The biosecurity advisers decided to allow Mr. Kawaoka to publish full details about how he created the virus.  We will have to see what future effects this will have.

Earthquakes: Here is an overview of earthquakes from the last 12 years.  It is easy to see how intense 2011 was. 

   Note that an increase in detected earthquake numbers does not necessarily represent   an increase in earthquakes per se. Population increase, habitation spread, and advances in earthquake detection technology all contribute to higher earthquake numbers being recorded over time. USGS’s Earthquake Myths has more information.

For exact dates and live earthquakes please visit USGS and EMSC web sites

 Source:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquakes_in_2012

In the News: Emergency Management magizine wrote a piece called, “Sustainable Practices Create Disaster Resiliency in Portland, Ore.” The department is focusing on the reality of major earthquakes here in the North West.  The city is taking the reality of us experiencing a 9.0 earthquake head-on and trying to find solution now instead of what till it is too late.

Upcoming:  I am excited about the enhancements to the website.  I have added Youtube and a newsletter to help keep you informed.  There are a lot of great videos I’ve collected, so stop on by.  

All ears: If you have a question or if there is a topic you would like me to write about please feel free to contact me at preparePDX@gmail.com .  My door is open for any who would like to write an article about a subject or experience you have had.  Don’t forget to following me on Facebook where I have released a lot of great information.