Seattle Times asks: Could you survive a disaster here?

Have you thought about the worst-case scenario?

Hurricane Katrina has made one thing clear: If disaster strikes, you could be on your own — for a very long time.

After a major earthquake or other disaster, it could be a week before meaningful, significant government help is available, said Eric Holdeman, director of King County's Office of Emergency Management.

Imagine a 7.4-magnitude earthquake here, Holdeman said. Unlike a hurricane, it strikes without warning. Families are separated. Homes and buildings collapse. The Alaskan Way Viaduct crumbles. Floating bridges and all major highways are out of commission.

"You tell me — how are we going to come to the aid of people?" Holdeman asked. "How do you move?"

(emphasis mine)

The Alaskan Way Viaduct crumbles (killing people on it and many underneath it). Floating bridges and all major highways are out of commission.

That's what we face if an earthquake strikes. We cannot delay. We must replace the floating bridge, the viaduct, and hundreds of other critical structures and unsafe roadways before a disaster strikes.

If you vote for Initiative 912, you're casting your vote against emergency and disaster preparedness and for ignorance. Don't downplay the risk - it's very real:

Getting people to prepare for a disaster is like selling life insurance to a 17-year-old, one disaster-planning expert said. Too many people think:

It won't happen.

It won't be that bad.

I can't do anything about it anyway.

But now that Katrina has your attention, the experts want you to know this: Yes, it will happen. And yes, you can do something.

One thing you can do: VOTE NO on Initiative 912. Proponents of Initiative 912 only want you to think about the meager savings you'll get from their tax cut. Don't listen to them - they don't care about investing in the future of Washington State and disaster preparedness.

Do all you can to prepare for a disaster - and vote NO on Initiative 912.