Are You Prepared?

Last year's disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina should make all of us stop and take stock of our own level of preparedness for major disasters that may occur here. While hurricanes are not likely to be a problem in our area, major earthquakes and tsunamis are a very real threat. It could take up to 3 days for disaster assistance to arrive--so it is critical to plan to be on your own for the first 72 hours.

At a minimum, you need to complete each of the following items:

• Secure bookcases, entertainment centers, hutches, mirrors, water heaters and large appliances to the wall to prevent them from tipping-over or breaking utility connections during an earthquake. Many hardware stores have simple kits just for this purpose.
• Teach each capable member of your household how to turn-off gas, water, and electric utilities at the meter. Store any shut-off tools you’ll need at the meters. Consider having an automatic gas shut-off device professionally installed.
• Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation) in a cool, dark, and accessible place. Put together portable “grab and go” disaster kits for your home, car, and workplace.
• Put ABC-type fire extinguishers on each floor of your home and in each vehicle, and check them annually for charge levels.
• Put battery-operated smoke/carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home and in the garage; change batteries twice a year.
• Put S.A.M.E. public alert monitors in your home and work place. To learn more about this system, browse to www.emd.wa.gov and click on the “Weather Radio in Washington” link.
• Identify safe locations within your home and workplace to seek cover in the event of an earthquake. If you have children in your home, hold earthquake drills every six months.
• Identify at least two escape routes from each room in the event of a fire. If you have children in your home, hold fire drills every six months.
• Designate two locations--one just outside of your home and one outside of your neighborhood--for household members to meet in the event you need to evacuate.
• Enroll each capable member of your household in a first aid/CPR class. Call SE Thurston Fire/EMS at (360) 458-2799 or visit the local chapter of the Red Cross at www.rainier-redcross.org for help finding a class.
• Keep a wallet-sized emergency contact list with you at all times, including an out-of-state contact that can serve as a message center. During an emergency, local calls might not go through while out-of-state calls may. Pay phones are usually the first to work again.
• Ask your child’s school or day care provider, as well as your employer, to explain their disaster plans to you.
• If you have a relative, neighbor, or friend that can't get prepared on their own, volunteer to spend a few hours to assist them. Find out who in your neighborhood might need special assistance during an emergency--specifically the elderly, disabled, or non-English speaking neighbors.
• Check with your veterinarian for animal care instructions in an emergency situation.