Emergency Planning: Preparing for the Unpredictable

Alicia Graham

Each day we wake up to news stories alerting us to natural and man-made disasters. The hairs stand up on the back of my neck when the situation feels too “close.” I ask myself, am I really ready? Do I pretend that I’m ready? Are my family members ready? Is the community I manage/live in/work for ready?

If you are like me, most of those answers are a resounding NO! Reality is not always what we think it will be when an actual disaster occurs. So, what can we do? The answer: Prepare. Even just thinking about emergencies and what you can or will do helps when you only have a short time to react.

So what types of emergencies will we face in the Pacific Northwest? Earthquakes, tornadoes (not kidding, look it up), volcanoes, fires, rain, floods, hail, wind, snow, civil unrest, terrorism, and other scary stuff. So, what do we do? And how do we do it?

1.

Calm Down. Remember, emergencies are surprises for the most part. You aren’t going to be able to be prepared at all times for all types of emergencies. Sometimes, you just have to go with your gut. For all of my “Type A” friends out there, just take a breath and recognize that you can’t control everything.

2.

Escape Route. Figure out an escape route, if needed. Is it best to stay in place? Is there a chance I will become injured or incapacitated if I react and/or leave my location? If you are stuck in place and need assistance, place a “HELP” sign on the window for emergency personnel to locate you.

3. Phone Calls and Texts. Don’t immediately get on the phone and call your loved ones. Nine times out of ten you aren’t going to be able to reach them if they are in the immediate area. Instead of calling your loved one directly, set up a family member/friend out of the area that can be called to pass messages to.

4.

Pets. Do you have a plan for your pet? Did you know that if you  the Animal Safety section on www.redcross.org or visit your local humane society website for more information about addressing pet and pet-owner needs.

5.

Supplies. Do you have supplies? Do you keep non-perishable food at the ready, and does it have a long shelf life? Does the food in your supply kit require you to cook it? Do you have the ability to sustain yourself and those around you for at least three days? Do you have at least three gallons of water stored, per person, at all times? Do you rotate your water supply to maintain fresh water at least once a year?

6. Have a Plan. Have you connected with your neighbors? Do you know who will need assistance during an emergency (for people who have mobility issues, or are elderly, young, or disabled)? Do you know who may have life skills that will help during an emergency (such as first aid training, management experience, or carpentry skills)? Do you have a floor or building captain or neighborhood group? Do you have an emergency contact list in hard copy available to connect with your neighbors if needed? Is it updated? At least once a year your emergency plan should be reviewed and updated as needed.

One of the tests of leadership is the ability to

recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency. —Arnold H. Glasow

7. Community Coordination. Have you met to talk about your community plan? Is the association board actively involved? Do you have a committee? Do you practice your emergency response? Have you connected with your local municipality to meet with your community? Most of the time the municipality will provide materials and someone to speak in front of your community about emergency planning at no charge.

8. Utilities. Is someone in charge of shutting off utilities if needed? Locate your electric, gas, and water shutoff valves. Keep the necessary tools near the gas and water shutoffs. Teach several community members how to turn off utilities. If you turn off the gas, a professional must turn the gas back on. Do not attempt to do this yourself.

9.

Important Documents. Do you keep copies of your personal information in a fire-proof safe or at an offsite location to protect against destruction? A copy of your passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, medical needs are crucial when recovering from an emergency.

10. Supplies. Do you have the things near you at the office or in your home that are needed during an emergency? These items could include: Sturdy shoes, work gloves, a flash light or light sticks, a first-aid kid, food, water, and things to keep you entertained (such as books or a deck of cards) during times you are unable to leave.

Remember, your primary responsibility during an emergency situation is yourself, and then others. (You can’t help others when you yourself need help.) Talking about what to do, and practicing and then executing a plan when it’s really needed are ways to be prepared for the unpredictable.