Get prepared
Prepare my home
My home–I’m not scared, I’m prepared!
As individuals and households we play a vital role in our community’s journey to become well prepared for disasters of all kinds; earthquakes, wildfire, tsunamis, pandemics, major winter storms, supply chain disruptions, etc.
When disaster strikes, our first responders will be overwhelmed and focused on taking care of the community’s core infrastructure. Additional help from outside the area may not arrive for weeks due to the likely damage to our ferry docking, bridges and regional transportation systems. So as not to be a burden to others, and to boost our own confidence during a disaster, we want to be well prepared. Personal preparation will also help us help others because we care and we are equipped.
It is our responsibility—not that of the County or the Fire Department—to be able to take care of ourselves and our neighbors for at least two weeks (or longer) after a widespread natural disaster.
First Steps:
Conduct Household Readiness Assessement.
Sign up for Island County ALERT to be notified of pending storms, tsunamis, and other potential disasters.
Accumulate provisions for at least 2 weeks, preferably a month or longer. Ideas abound on the internet about what you should stockpile. Here are a couple of our favorites.
A basic tenent in all your stockpiling should be to use what you store and store what you use, especially in regards to food stuffs!
Our partner South Whidbey Fire/EMS has a quick way to get 2-weeks ready in just 12 weeks
Our partner Bainbridge Prepares has a Get Ready in a Year program we heartily recommend
Here is graphic of a well prepared pantry
Below are some suggestions we have compiled: considerations for what you put in a To Go bag and its corresponding Stay Away bag; an overview of categories to stock-pile; and thoughts for ensuring your car is ready for emergencies as well.
At hand for a quick three-day evacuation out of the region
A home supplies checklist
A list for all year and the extras for winter
What else can I do to prepare?
Read Prepared Neighborhoods by Scott James. Many neighborhoods have a copy to share—just ask your Neighborhood Champion. Our Sno-Isle Library has several copies as does our local bookstore. This is a great book with tons of useful information.
Become a Neighborhood Champion in your South Whidbey Neighborhood!
Join a South Whidbey Prepares Working Group that reflects your skills and interests!
“The same four weeks of food you set aside to survive after an earthquake can be the four weeks of food you use when an unexpected emergency room bill depletes your already tight budget for the month. Preparing for the Long Emergency builds resilience into your life for good times and bad.”
What about your animals?
They need preparing, too, those who live indoors with you and those in the barn. What food and supplies do you need for them? Who will care for them if you can’t get home?
FEMA provides an excellent list of supplies and considerations to protect our beloved companions.
Our Washington Department of Health also produced an excellent flyer
The American Veterinary Association suggests considerations for your livestock.
