Salem Reporter publishes a regular column from Mark Wardell, West Salem team leader for Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, focusing on emergency preparedness and planning.

Twelve months + one

Somehow, I missed that my last article marked one year of writing for the Salem Reporter. That would make this issue year one, plus one. I’d like to take a moment to look back and see what we’ve covered. Not surprisingly, it seems I spent a fair amount of time talking about CERT.

We also spent some time covering the updated 2 Weeks Ready program as rolled out from the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. Supporting the 2 Weeks Ready program, and finishing this month, we reviewed 52 weeks of becoming 2 Weeks Ready. We also talked about the Great ShakeOut (coming this year on Oct. 16), and the Great Camp-In, where you could practice your emergency plan and put your survival skills to work in your living room.

We tried to emphasize that preparedness is an ongoing process. As such, we need to pace ourselves and adjust plans to meet our specific needs and budget. I wonder what we’ll talk about for the next year?

Crafting your family emergency plan

One thing that was mentioned several times last year was the need for a family emergency plan. This month, I’d like to take a deeper dive into what goes into an emergency plan.

Overview

Having a family emergency plan isn’t about anticipating doom; it’s about fostering peace of mind and ensuring the safety of yourself and your family when the unexpected happens. Just as you plan for vacations or financial goals, preparing for potential emergencies is a crucial step in building a resilient household. It’s about having a clear roadmap when chaos strikes, allowing you to keep calm and carry on effectively rather than being overwhelmed.

Essential components of your plan

A comprehensive home emergency plan should cover several key areas, acting as your family’s blueprint for action.

Communication strategy: How will your family connect if separated? Designate an out-of-area contact person (a relative or friend who lives far enough away not to be affected by the same local disaster) that everyone can call or text if local lines are down. Establish a family communication plan for checking in. One strategy I learned a while ago was a simple one-letter message to express your status, such as “O” for okay, “E” for evacuated, or “P” for pray for us. You get the idea—adapt for your needs.

Home evacuation routes and meeting points: If you need to leave your home quickly, do you know the safest ways out? Identify at least two escape routes from each room in your house. Beyond your home, establish two outdoor meeting places: one immediately outside your home for quick escapes like a fire, and a second, larger neighborhood meeting place for situations where your home isn’t safe, like a gas leak.

Shelter-in-place procedures: Not every emergency requires evacuation. Sometimes, the safest place is indoors. Your plan should outline how to seal off rooms from contaminants (like a hazmat spill), what supplies you’ll need if utilities are out for an extended period, and how to manage waste and hygiene when services are disrupted.

Emergency supplies kit (go-bag & home kit): Your go-bag should contain essentials for 3-5 days if you have to evacuate quickly, such as medication, documents, water, non-perishable food, first aid, a flashlight, and a radio. Your home emergency kit should be more extensive, designed to sustain your family for at least two weeks in a shelter-in-place scenario, including food, water (one gallon per person per day), hygiene supplies, pet needs, and tools.

Special needs and pet considerations: Account for prescriptions, medical equipment, and dietary restrictions. Don’t forget your pets: their food, water, medications, carriers, and leashes should be part of your plan and go-bag.

Utility shut-off knowledge: Knowing how to turn off your gas, water, and electricity can prevent further damage or injury in certain emergencies (like an earthquake or flood). Ensure all adult and older children family members know these locations and how to operate them safely. Also, consider your elderly neighbors and, with their permission, learn how to shut off their gas and water.

Steps to create your plan

Making your family emergency plan doesn’t have to be daunting if you break it down into manageable steps. Next month we’ll take a deep dive and work through those steps and write a family emergency plan. For this I plan to use my own family, but if you would like a little help with writing, or updating, your family’s emergency plan, my email address is at the bottom of each of these articles.

Remember, an emergency plan is a living document. Once you have a plan, you’ll need to practice, practice, practice—just like those fire alarms in school when you were a kid. Then, revise your plan as you learn more or your circumstances change. As I’ve said before, you never know when the day before is the day before. Prepare for tomorrow; you’ll be investing in today’s peace of mind.

Week by Week to become 2 Weeks Ready

This is our last installment of 52 weeks to become 2 Weeks Ready. If you’ve been keeping up and following along with at least some of these suggestions, I know that you’re better prepared than you were before, and that was the goal. Once you’re satisfied that your 2 Weeks Ready kit is complete, you’re not done – not yet, if ever. Extend your 2 Weeks Ready kit to three weeks, then four, then more. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll be able to take care of yourself and your family, and help your extended family or friends.

Week 48 – Food bags and/or foil are our next item: sealable food bags to store leftover or any uneaten portion. Foil for cooking over an open fire.

Week 49 – Grab those axes for this step. You’ll need them to cut through debris, chop firewood, or gather kindling.

Week 50 – This week, collect those zip ties and bungee cords: tie down tarps, secure items in your vehicle, or wind-proof items that may blow away.

Week 51 – Entertainment. This item may not seem necessary at this moment, but you’ll be thankful you packed games, cards, books, magazines, or coloring books—items to pass the time or keep kids busy.

Week 52 – Our last week of the 52 weeks to become 2 Weeks Ready. Look back on the items you have packed. Anything missing? Add to your kit to personalize it.

If you have any questions about this article, preparedness in general, or if you’d like to inquire about joining CERT or scheduling a CERT presentation for your organization, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Mark Wardell, at [email protected].

STORY TIP OR IDEA? Send an email to Salem Reporter’s news team: [email protected].

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