By measure of natural disasters, this year has been like few others in Washington state. Last March, the Oso landslide took 43 lives and buried a community as well as the lifeline for the small rural towns of Darrington, Oso and Arlington, as well as the Sauk-Suiattle tribe. The disaster is not only the most deadly landslide in U.S. history, it has claimed more lives than any other in the United States this year.
Just a few months later, the largest wildfire in state history erupted in Central Washington, setting 380,000 square acres ablaze. The firestorms claimed hundreds of family homes and gutted infrastructure, leaving small rural communities across the Methow Valley without power and potable water and cut off from phone and Internet access for more than a week.
These disasters have been tragic and costly, and unfortunately, we can expect more to follow. We live in a volcanically active region, prone to risks such as severe floods, extreme weather and earthquakes, in addition to wildfires and landslides. While we never know when disaster will strike, we do know that by taking small but important measures a little will go a long way to keeping our families safer when it does.
The key is to be prepared. September marks National Preparedness Month. As communities recover from the Oso landslide and Central Washington wildfires, they offer a compelling reminder to us all: Make a plan. It’s easy to do and comes at little cost. All it takes is to sit down with your family and have a discussion.
Here are a few key points to remember when making a plan to prepare and respond for an emergency:
Identify responsibilities among your family members. In your plan, be sure to integrate where you work and live and where your children go to school and play. Consider various scenarios: if a family member is in the military and deployed; if you are asked to evacuate your home; if your children are in school; or if you cannot return to your home. Identify a safe, accessible location for everyone to meet in case you cannot go home. Know what plans are in place for your children’s schools and, if you are employed, in your own workplace.
Develop a communications plan and ensure that everyone has contact numbers in their phone. Carry your out-of-area contact information on a separate card in your wallet, in the event your cell phone is unavailable. Then practice your plan.
Simulate an evacuation, drive the planned route and identify alternate routes. Would you have enough gas to get 50 to 100 miles away from a threat? Consider keeping at least a quarter of a tank of gas at all times. Will there be supplies available for you upon evacuation? Or should you develop a three-day “to go” kit and keep it in your vehicle? And remember your pets. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly lodging options and animal shelters along your evacuation routes.
Lastly, encourage friends and neighbors to do the same.
There are many useful resources that are easily accessible and put important information at your fingertips in case of an emergency. Downloading Red Cross mobile apps is a good place to start at www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps. You can also take courses in CPR or first aid and learn life-saving skills.
In taking these steps, you will be better equipped for the day disaster does strike again. More important, not only will your family be safer, together with your neighbors, you are taking a significant stride toward creating a more resilient community.
In a year that has been marked by unprecedented disasters, the worst risk you can take is not to prepare.
Chuck Morrison is the executive director for the Northwest Washington Region of the American Red Cross.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
