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Virtually the entire geologic / scientific community agrees that a Cascadia megathrust earthquake (magnitude of 8.0 - 9.0 or greater) will occur in the Pacific Northwest, and the resultant tsunami will affect coastlines as far away as Japan. In addition, the mid-Willamette Valley has experienced major flooding and severe weather in the past and will again in the future. Please don't assume that local emergency services will be available immediately to take care of you. In a major disaster, emergency services personnel will be overwhelmed and will have to triage and attend to the large number of emergent situations as they can. The good news is that each of us can go a long way toward recovery by preparing in advance. There are relatively simple things you can do today to help alleviate the effects of a major natural disaster: CREATE A FAMILY PLAN!!! Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. In this area, the most likely events would include fire, severe weather, flooding, and earthquakes. Explain the dangers associated with each and what to do in each case. Include all family members in the discussion. - Pick two places to meet: 1: Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency (like a fire); 2: Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Make a plan for your animals. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations, so plan for them in advance. Click here for Humane Society of the United States guidelines.
- Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons if needed.
- Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or daycare center, and other places where your family spends time.
PUT YOUR KIT TOGETHER!!! Be prepared with food, water, a first-aid kit, prescription medicines, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, several changes of clothes, blankets, and other supplies for you and your pets for a minimum of three days. Prepare now. Waiting until disaster hits or is inevitable could cause temporary supply shortages and widespread panic. Once you're prepared, stay prepared by cycling your supplies through to ensure that your kit doesn’t contain outdated medicines, water, etc. Keep your kit in a designated place, and make sure all family members know where it is. A typical kit would contain: - Three-day supply of non-perishable food;
- Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person per day;
- Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries;
- Flashlight and extra batteries;
- First aid kit and manual;
- Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes, toothbrushs, toothpase, and toilet paper, plastic bucket with tight-fitting lid);
- Matches and waterproof container;
- Whistle (for alerting people and summoning help);
- Extra clothing, including sturdy shoes;
- Blankets / sleeping bags;
- Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener;
- Photocopies of credit and identification cards (keep in a waterproof container);
- Cash and coins;
- Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
- Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers;
- Food, water, and supplies for your pets (including leashes, litter pan, cat litter, carrier). Pets will likely need these supplies whether they stay with you, go to the home of one of your friends, or go to an animal emergency shelter.
- Books, games, pencils, paper to relieve boredom and stress.
DESIGNATE A CONTACT PERSON who lives in a different geographic area. Your family and friends will want to know if you’re okay. Since phone service (at least landlines) will almost certainly be disrupted; and cell phone service will likely be impacted by high traffic, if not by lost cell towers, it will be very difficult for anyone to reach you. By alerting one contact person who lives in a region not likely to be affected by the disaster, you can ease the minds and hearts of those who care about you. You can either give your contact person a list of names, phone numbers / email addresses of people who should be contacted; or you can give your friends and family the name and phone number / email address of your contact person.
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