Be Aware of Government’s Emergency or Disaster Plan

One of the important first steps in preparedness is to familiarize yourself with our local or state emergency/disaster plan.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and other government agencies are working hard to protect and prepare our nation for emergencies. 

The Bellingham library is also an excellent resource. The reference section usually has a copy of our city and state plan, or library staff can help you locate it.

State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management are a great resource and have easy links to find plans:

• City of Bellingham Emergency Management
• Whatcom County Emergency Management
• Whatcom County Medical Reserve Corps
• Whatcom County Sheriff
• Whatcom County Fire District #4
• Washington Military Emergency Management Division
• Washington Department of Health
• Washington Animal Response Management Team

In addition, Washinton has developed plans for a specific response to a pandemic flu outbreak.  View Pandemic Flu Plan and make sure you know what to do.  Also, Flu.gov has some additional flu resources.

Know How to Find the Emergency Broadcast Channel on the Radio

“This is a test. This is a test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test…”

Chances are you’ve heard this message on the radio or seen it on your television.

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, cable television systems, wireless cable systems, satellite digital audio radio services and direct broadcast satellite services to provide the communications capability to the President to address the American public during a National emergency.  The system is also used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information such as weather or emergency alerts targeted to a specific area. 

The National Weather Service at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has a site that links to information regarding weather warning and watches, including warnings for Washington state. Check it out.

Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit

When you put together a disaster supply kit, think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. So every emergency supply kit – such as this one from the American Red Cross – should include (among other items):

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food including infant formula if needed.  Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Medications and special items
• Tools and supplies
• Sanitation, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties 
• Clothing and bedding, including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Emergency car kit
• Important family documents, copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container, cash or traveler's checks and change, emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• First aid kit

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has also comprised a list of additional items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit including:

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. 
• Local maps
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Prepare a “Go” Kit

Emergencies can strike at any time. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a “Go” kit to keep in your car or office.  It contains supplies that you can take with you in a bag or backpack.

Your “Go” kit should include some food and water to get you from emergency to safety and some of the comforts from home, like a toothbrush. Customize your “Go” kit based on your own personal needs, but every good “Go” kit should include:

• Battery powered flashlight
• Battery powered radio
• Blanket
• Work gloves
• Plastic work goggles
• Dust mask
• Rain poncho
• Whistle
• First aid kit

Create a family Communications Plan

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes.

• If you’re at work and your children are at school, where will you meet?
• Talk with your family and make a plan now.
• Who is the point of contact?
• How will you communicate?
• How will you take care of your pets?

These are just a few of the important questions that must be addressed in a plan. Making sure that your family has a plan in case of an emergency is critical to effective preparedness.  See a downloadable Family Emergency Plan. Sit down with your family to complete the form, store it in a safe place, and make sure everyone knows where it is. It also includes wallet-sized cards that each family member can carry.

Here’s a tip: Commit a weekend to updating telephone numbers, buying emergency supplies and reviewing your emergency plan with everyone.

Establish A Specific Meeting Place

A predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and minimize confusion if your home is affected or your neighborhood is evacuated. Have you decided on a meeting place? Does everyone in your family know where it is?  Be sure to include pets in your plan. You should know that pets are not permitted in emergency family shelters, and some hotels will not accept them.

Have you held an emergency drill and had everybody meet in your selected place?

Store vital information in the next of kin registry now – before the need arises.

You should also be aware of the Next Of Kin Registry (NOKR) – a free tool for daily emergencies and national disasters. NOKR is an emergency contact system to help if you or your family member is missing, injured or deceased. NOKR provides the public a free registration service. Information you provide is kept in a secure archive. You can store emergency contacts, next of kin and vital medical information that would be critical to emergency response agencies.  

Practice Or Drill On What To Do In An Emergency

The old saying is true: Practice makes perfect. And although no one can ever be perfectly prepared... practicing or performing emergency drills is very important. Most schools require all students to participate in fire drills... every family should have emergency drills as well. Look for ways to make emergency drills and enjoyable family activity and avoid scaring your children or making them worry unnecessarily. An excellent resource for information on how to prepare children for emergencies is the FEMA for Kids.

Volunteer and Get Trained to Help During Emergencies

When you volunteer before, during and/or after an emergency you learn important skills and procedures.  The strengths you gain also make your community stronger and better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. The American Red Cross should be your first stop when your’ looking for local emergency preparedness opportunities

In addition, you can get involved with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizen Corps.  The mission of Citizen Corps is to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all kinds.  See also the Washington Citizens Corps.

Learn First Aid

First aid training gives you competence and confidence to respond in an emergency situation with skills that can save a life. Red Cross training offers complete, flexible programs that help you, your family and your community stay prepared for virtually any life-threatening situation.

If you haven’t taken a first aid class in the past five years, it’s time to do it! Training includes

• CPR
• First Aid
• How to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Injury prevention courses
• Blood borne pathogens training
• Community disaster education

Contact Mt. Baker Red Cross chapter for more information.