Get prepared: Household - Terra - Step by Step process

Perhaps some words to the effect “I’m overwhelmed thinking about all of this! How do I even get started? Then we suggest this is one more reason to work with neighbors - they provide encouragment and reinforcement. Then suggest the 2-weeks ready approach or the prepare over a year plan ( we would copy Bainbridge’s materials and edit appropriately)

Terra note I’d like to change the drop down menu to Provisioning Your Household for the 1st, Your To-go Bag for the 2nd. And do we include a 3rd with counsel for protecting domestic pets and livestock?

Has all of the provisioning, links to sources. ALso need stuff like NOAA radio, text alerts, etc.

Terra note: I think Scott’s book needs to be in the side-bar on this page. Perhaps with the words Scott has done the research so you don’t need to. A practical guide about everything you might want to acquire for your emergency stash. I don’t have the NOAA radio and text alerts stuff yet. Perhaps that’s in the 12-month plan as one of the first things to do?


Prepared, Not Scared: Provisioning Your Household

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of getting your home and neighborhood ready for a major disaster? You’re not alone. At first glance, the task can seem daunting—so many supplies, so many details. But here’s the truth: preparedness is a journey, not a single giant leap. And you are doing so with the best company - the residents of our beloved south Whidbey.

We can’t predict when catastrophe might come knocking, but wisdom tells us it’s far better to be ready sooner rather than later. The real question is: how long could you live without receiving anything from the mainland? At a minimum, we recommend two weeks of self-sufficiency—and for some scenarios, planning for one or more months is even wiser.

The good news? Everything you set aside for emergencies is useful in daily life. Use what you store, and replace it as you go. Over time, you’ll build both peace of mind and practical resilience.

To help you get started, here are some practical guides. Pick the one that most appeals to your personal style.

  • Be Two Weeks Prepared - a 12-week process

  • Be Two Weeks Prepared - a 12-Month Process – one task each month, at your own pace, in the order that fits your life.

  • A Typical Pantry Inventory

Plan a To-Go bag and a Get-Home bag when sheltering in place isn’t an option

Think of your to-go bag as a little gift of peace of mind. If you ever need to evacuate quickly, you won’t want to be scrambling to decide what to take—you’ll be able to grab your bag and be out the door. And if you’re off-island when disaster hits, having a get-home bag could mean the difference between feeling stranded and feeling prepared. If the mainland is affected by the same disaster, a few thoughtful supplies can give you options and keep you steady until you return.

Wherever you are—here or there—having these basics on hand is one of the simplest, kindest things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.

Here are some practical ideas to get you started. Think of them as a menu you can tailor to your own needs and comfort—add what fits your life, ignore what doesn’t. The important thing is to  have something ready when it matters most.

  • I need to find the handouts. know there are a bunch on line.

When you need to go

…you will need to be two weeks or more, ready: here’s how. (link to previous Household page)