Update 9:47 am: Rachel Madow’s very clear explanation last night of what is happening and how it compares to past nuclear accident. [This is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LINK!]

Update 9:30 am: For some very calming information particularly in regards to use of iodine, go here to the California Dept. of Public Health’s response to the current crisis.

Update 8:55 am: High radiation levels have been detected outside the Japanese Fukushima exclusion zone says NY Post.

Above is video released from TEPCO (Corporation that owns the Fukushima power plants) taken yesterday during water dumps from helicopters.

Dramatic new footage of tsunami chasing a news crew and 5 people pulled to safety

Photographic slide-show from BBC that brought tears to my eyes particularly the photo of the woman holding her dead mother’s hand as it protruded from the rubble.

A second and nearly as good photo slide show from the BBC.  Don’t miss the captions.  Coupled with the photos, they tell a lot in a few words.

If you feel the need to prepare, the Japanese “Grab Bag” (what the government there recommends having on hand) is a good idea to have on hand in any emergency.  Put your desire to do something into preparation that will benefit you no matter what the outcome in Fukushima. If you want to add iodine tablets, do so.

If you can’t find any tablets,  iodine tincture can be used.  According to the Health Physics Society and William Kirk, PhD, CHP of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Radiation Protection,