Get prepared: Neighborhood

Why is Neighborhood Readiness so crucial? Anne

On all pages coming from a drop-down menu, I recommend repeating the full navigation title, then can have subheads and text, it will help folks know “where they are” on the site.

“When disaster hits” was to explain what disasters can happen on Whidbey and start to drive toward wanting to be prepared. This section of drop downs is the “why and how to do that” by neighborhood.

I think there was consensus that this page is not long, but is important to understanding the core reason for neighborhoods first. Here is how Bainbridge introduces the concept: “We look at preparedness through a lens of love, rather than fear. Together we strive to establish Bainbridge Island as the most resilient town in Washington State . . . and beyond!”

The next top navigation drop down is “Get prepared: household” and has all the household prep.

Terra note: I thought this was my job (first page has different names. So I wrote the following. Anne - throw it away if you have another approach. Edit it if you like. I’m not attached
Here’s Terra’s first cut with the title line: Resilience starts at home, but it thrives in community
In the event of a major disaster, our emergency service providers will, by definition, be overwhelmed. Our beloved Fire Department has just 50 employees—many of whom live off island. Our Island County Emergency Management Department? Only two employees. There will be no cavalry riding in to rescue us. Which means it’s up to us to be as prepared as possible.

The good news is we can do this. The wisdom and resources we need are already here among us. National Public Radio reported in July 2011 on global disaster research and found one clear conclusion: “It is the personal ties among members of a community that determine survival during a disaster, and recovery in its aftermath.” We will want a hyperlink, perhaps on the words NPR reported? https://www.npr.org/2011/07/04/137526401/the-key-to-disaster-survival-friends-and-neighbors#:~:text=The%20Key%20To%20Disaster%20Survival,Pals%2C%20Neighbors%20:%20NPR&text=Hourly%20News-,The%20Key%20To%20Disaster%20Survival

When you get to know your neighbors, you may be surprised by the range of skills, resourcefulness, and kindness we collectively bring. You may even discover new friends. At the very least, you’ll know who has a spare cup of sugar—or who can turn off that outdoor sprinkler you accidentally left running when you dashed to catch the ferry.

Of course, individual preparedness is essential. Step one is making sure your own household is stocked and ready so you’re not a burden in an emergency. But step two is just as important: pooling resources, building trust, and knowing someone will check on you when the power goes out in an ice storm… knowing who can clear the tree blocking your road… or where you can go if your home is damaged.

Neighbors caring for neighbors—that’s what creates real safety, security, and peace of mind