Alaska-Based Site Offers Disaster-Planning Tips

WILLOW, Alaska — In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, many are seeking information on how to best prepare for a potential disaster. A new Alaska-based website, SOS Disaster Plan, provides in-depth information that could be lifesaving in the event of a catastrophe.

The site officially launched in September but Wade Bartel, the website's president, said the site was a work in progress for three years prior to its debut.

"What I discovered is there's a lot of inaccurate information out there and it's spread out everywhere," Bartel said.

The website has 21 investors who hope to generate revenue by offering subscriptions to the site and an online magazine. According to Bartel, the goal is to educate as many people as possible about the importance of being proactive.

"There are a lot of things you have to think about in advance because once a disaster occurs you don't have the time or the ability to fill in the blank spots, so what we try to anticipate is what those spots are for people so that they can actually become prepared," said Bartel.

Being prepared for a disaster like what happened in Japan is not a simple task.  But the SOS Disaster Plan covers all types of potential catastrophes, and it provides users with extensive check lists, suggested supplies and safety plans. Website subscribers can also access programs that track weather patterns, earthquake activity and severe storms.

"The odds are that at some point in the near future, the distant future, that you're going to be affected by a disaster and the the need to prepare is very real," said Bartel.