Disaster Preparedness
Here is a link to Southwest Washington Red Cross Chapter and Pacific County Emergency Management Agency.
While we hope we will never have to experience a natural disaster such as fires, flooding, severe storms, earthquakes, etc., it has been shown time and time again that being prepared for disasters is prudent. In the event of a major disaster, emergency services and government agencies may not be able to respond to your needs immediately. Equipment, personnel, communications and mobility may be severely hampered by the event. Experts say to plan to be on your own for a minimum of three days.
We cannot stop disasters from occurring, but we can limit their impact on us and those we love. Proper planning and preparation will help you and your family be more comfortable in the event that your home is damaged, or you can't get back into it. Think of it as a "quality of life" issue. The most important concept in developing a family emergency preparedness plan is communication. Every member of the family needs to be involved so that when disaster strikes, everyone will know what to do.
How well you manage the aftermath of disaster depends a great deal on your level of preparedness when disaster strikes.
FOUR STEPS TO DISASTER PLANNING
- Find out what disasters could happen to you.
- Create a disaster plan.
- Put your plan into action.
- Practice and maintain your plan.
There are some basics you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and any special items. Click 
HERE for a checklist of items to keep on hand that you will most likely need. Keep a smaller version of the disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
Water:
Store one gallon of water per person per day. Have purifying agents available.
Food:
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Select food items that are compact and lightweight and rotate the food supply every six months. Possibilities: ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, canned soup, powdered milk, staples (salt, pepper, sugar); high energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix; vitamins; comfort/stress food (cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags.)
First Aid Kit:
You should have two first aid kits - one for your home and the other for your car.
Tools and Supplies:
Paper cups, plates and utensils, battery operated radio and extra batteries; cash, travelers checks, change; non-electric can opener; fire extinguisher (ABC type); pliers, tape, compass, aluminum foil; signal flare; paper and pencil; shut off wrench; whistle; map.
Sanitation:
Toilet paper, soap, liquid detergent, plastic garbage bags, plastic bucket with tight lid; chlorine bleach, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items.
Clothing and Bedding:
At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person; sturdy shoes or work boots; rain gear; blankets or sleeping bags; coat, hat and gloves; thermal underwear; sunglasses.
Medications:
Keep an extra supply of prescription and non-prescription medications on hand. Non-prescription medications might include: aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, antacids, laxatives, rubbing alcohol, antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide.
Important Family Documents:
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, bank account numbers, inventory of valuable household goods, passports, social security cards, immunization records, credit card account numbers and companies, family records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
Entertainment:
Games and books.
