PREPARING THE EASY WAY

 

Ideally one would complete the entire process of preparation all at once and put it behind them.  But not everybody has the time or money to do so.

 

So, to keep the process from becoming overwhelming, you might consider just taking on a little bit at a time. In fact, I have lived on the coast for over 11 years and am still in the final process of preparation. If you want to try to be done in a year, try the strategy below.  It gives you one task to do each week.  By the end of the year you are done!

 

Remember, however, that everbody's situation is different.  You might have a physical disability that requires special preparation.  Your home might need more rework than most.  So be sure to consider your own unique special needs when you prepare.

 

 

Don't be overwhelmed!
Anything you can do is beter than nothing!

"Living on Shaky Ground " -- another great resource!

WEEK

TASK

 

CREATE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

1

 Pick 2 places to meet following a disaster, 1 in your neighborhood close to your home  and 1 outside neighborhood should you have to leave your home

2

 Discuss a plan to reunite if separated

3

 Designate an out-of-town family contact and teach children to call your family contact in case they are separated from the family in an emergency.

4

 Identify safe places in your home for each type of disaster

5

 Become familiar with escape routes.  Find out if you are in a tsunami innudation zone at www.OregonTsunami.org.

6

 Document your plan on a small bilfold card and give to each family member AND your out-of-town family contact

7

 Post emergency contact list on your refrigerator
 

ASSEMBLE A GO-KIT WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
Pack as much as you can, but don't compromise your ability to carry the pack uphill!

8

 Duffel bag or backpack for home AND each car

9

 portable battery-operated radio

10

 flashlight and whistle

11

 batteries and plenty of them ;-)

12

 Consider buying a hand crank portable flashlight that doesn't require batteries

13

 Water, and water filter, water treatment tablets, or household liquid bleach

14

 3-day supply of non perishable food

15

 First aid kit and first aid manual

16

 Assemble at least a 3-day supply of prescription medications AND prepare a written list of your medications and their dosage

17

 Assemble your non-prescription medications such as aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, antidiarrhea medication, antacid, laxative, vitamins, etc.

18

 Include an extra pair eyeglasses and a written copy of its prescription,  hearing aid batteries, and other critical medical aids.

19

 Cash, including small bills and coins

20

 Extra set of car keys

21

 Emergency blanket, Large black leaf or trash bags (they can double as a raincoat or even "personal tent")

22

 Plastic sheeting, tube tent

23

 Raingear, hat, gloves

24

 One complete change of clothing for each family member

25

 Dust Mask & Goggles

26

 Kitchen accessories, can opener, disposable utensils, plastic bags, utility knife, etc

27

 Paper, pencil, needles, thread, safety pins, tape, small scissors

28

 Pliers, shut-off wrench, rope, work gloves, duct tape

29

 Toilet paper, towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, and personal items (toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, shampoo, lip balm, feminine supplies etc)

30

 Area maps and tsunami evacuation maps

31

 Consider any special need items for infants, the elderly, or disabled individual

32

 Deck of cards or similar item for entertainment

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AT HOME

33

 Purchase a NOAA radio (Amazon or Electronic Superstore in Lincoln City)

34

 Make sure you have a telephone that works without electricity … buy one if you don't have it

35

 Purchase rolls of clear plastic sheeting and duct tape or a staple gun to cover broken windows after an earthquake

36

 Place a flashlight, extra batteries, and a pair of sturdy shoes in a bag and tie to the bedpost

37

 Make 2 photocopies of vital documents - one set in your Go-pack and one set with an out-of-town relative (wills, insurance policies, deeds, stocks certificates, passports, social security cards, immunization records, bank account numbers, birth & marriage certificates, etc)

38

 Learn how to turn off water, gas and electricity

39

 Conduct a home hazard hunt and secure water tank, book shelves, cabinet doors, file cabinets, TVs, mirrors/pictures/paintings

40

 Check to see if you have adequate insurance coverage

41

 Photo Inventory your home contents

42

 Install smoke alarms

43

 Purchase fire extinguisher

44

 Plan how to take care of your pets in an emergency

45

 Prepare a Pet Go-Kit with food, water, blankets,etc.

46

 Prepare list of pet friendly hotels/motels

47

 Have a separate carrier for each pet

48

 Have identification, collar and leash for each pet

49

 Have a current photo of each pet in case they get lost.  Include any critical medical information or medications.

50

 Make a copy of proof of vacinations and put in Pet Go-Kit

51

CONGRATULATE YOURSELF ON A JOB WELL DONE!

52

 Practice and maintain your plan (replace food/water, test smoke alarms, replace batteries,check fire extinguisher, update family disaster plan)

 

 

Please direct questions or feedback to bigone@geocouple.com