Dear editor,Were you a part of the Earthquake Awareness Campaign to stop, drop, and wait it out? Days followed with its media hipe and then, a couple earthquakes were actually felt. Sure they were not big ones like Chile is getting, but they were real none the less. (see attached photos)Truth is, it's a given, living on the ring of fire and all that we are going to experience an earthquake of 7 - 8 - 9 magnitude. When? Sooner than later they`re saying, so if you`re not pulling up stakes, the only thing to do is prepare yourself.Some say preparedness is as simple as a can-opener and few basics lasting a day or two. However we might look to other countries still in the wake of their recent quakes. Earthquakes can cause roads, utilities, communications, even emergency services to be disrupted and being as we live on a island, our life-line to the mainland could be compromised as well.Consider your Emergency Preparedness Plan as a camping trip for 10 days and in the back of your mind, think the 3.3.3 rule of survival; 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. As you start to bring your EP Plan together, you`ll begin to sense what you actually need. Realize also, you could be on your own.One connection to an earthquake scientists have made is solar activity from the sun and this week solar flare activity marks the strongest since 2006. This suggests a ramping up to a solar maximum around 2013. It's also no surprise to hear Hollywood is creating their version of the big one. Possibly Arnold Schwarzenegger as lead actor?We all can see the benefit of a solid Emergency Preparedness Plan. And sure, it`s going to require some effort on your part, but in taking these steps today, that first night you do need it, you`ll thank the stars you had pulled it together. Micheal RazberryParksville, BC