As the Japan quake and tsunami have shown, we on the Pacific Rim are united as much by the unpredictable forces of nature as we are economy and trade and water.

We are also united by our humanity and our capacity to give.

According to the book, “The Orphan Tsunami of 1700 / Japanese Clues to a Parent Earthquake in North America,” by USGS geologist Brian F. Atwater and four counterparts in Japan, a massive earthquake on Washington’s coast in 1700 sent a train of ocean waves across the Pacific Ocean to Japan, where they flooded fields and washed away houses.

This place we call home is alive. There are 13 major faults beneath us; five mountains we know as majestic Cascade peaks are active volcanoes: Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak and Mount St. Helens.

Reason for fear? No, but reason to be prepared. Visit www.kitsapdem.org, the county Department of Emergency Management website, for printable, useful information: “Basic All Hazards Preparedness,” “Preparing for Disasters,” “Family Disaster Supply Kit” and “Family Communication Plan.”

And it’s reason to give. Here are some local ways you can help Japan recover from the catastrophic events of March 11. If you know of more efforts, let us know (rwalker@northkitsapherald.com) and we’ll add them to the list.

— Poulsbo’s Grounds for Change, 15773 George Lane NE, Suite 204, Poulsbo, is donating $2 to Mercy Corps from each $10 bag of special Japan Relief Blend sold.

— Bainbridge Gardens is matching up to $1,000 of customer donations to the American Red Cross. Visit the gardens at 9415 Miller Road NE., Bainbridge.

— The Nipponzan Myohoji Temple is accepting donations for Japan relief. Donations can be mailed to Nipponzan Myohoji, Senji Shonin, 6154 Lynwood Center Road NE, Bainbridge Island WA, 98110.

— The American Red Cross is accepting donations at 811 Pacific Ave., Bremerton. Call (360) 377-3761. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.