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.

Eagle Charter School

On Oct. 17, I had the opportunity to speak to third to fifth grade students at Eagle Charter School about the basic ideas around preparedness. This was the day after the Great ShakeOut, so the students had just experienced crawling under their desks in an earthquake drill the day before I arrived. Not only were the students engaging, but they also had a good appreciation for emergency preparedness.

I began by asking them about things they do that require practicing, such as music or sports activities. That is the point of the Great ShakeOut: to help us practice so if we’re ever in a situation where we need to take shelter from an earthquake, we’ll already know the basic first response we should take.

Before I finish talking about the kids at the school, I also wanted to mention that the kids were, well, kids. In addition to all the questions I had about water storage, preparing for ice storms, wildfires, etc., I also had a few uniquely kid-like questions about the moon and asteroids that really made my day.

Be like those kids

What are some things that you do to keep yourself prepared without even thinking about them?

The spirit of being prepared, like those kids who instinctively took cover in the drill, is already a fundamental part of our adult lives. Think about what you do every day to stay ready, often without even pausing to call it “preparedness.” Most of us wouldn’t dream of driving without a spare tire in the car, just in case of a flat. When a power outage hits, it’s second nature to know exactly where to grab the flashlight and extra batteries. We stock a basic first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptics for the inevitable scrapes and cuts.

On a larger scale, we secure our finances and property with insurance (home, car, and health) because we understand that unforeseen, costly events can and will occur. Even your home habits count: you keep extra food in the pantry for convenience, own a fire extinguisher to combat a small blaze, and maintain a backup of important documents and photos.

Finally, many of us dedicate an emergency savings fund to cover unexpected expenses like major car repairs or medical bills. These are all forms of preparedness we rarely question; they are simply smart ways to manage risk. The key now is to take that inherent wisdom and apply it to those larger, less frequent, but potentially devastating, emergencies.

What CERT teaches us is to think beyond the everyday events we naturally prepare for and expand our thinking to include bigger events like ice storms, wind storms, or—yes, you knew it was coming—an earthquake. Many people take the view that if you’re prepared for an earthquake, then you’re prepared for anything. While I don’t disagree with that, I also take the view that if you prepare for an wind or ice storm then you’ll also be better prepared for an earthquake.

Preparing for ice and wind storms

Ice and wind storms are unique because they often cause widespread, prolonged power outages and create physical hazards like falling trees and downed lines. The focus here is really on shelter-in-place survival and hazard mitigation.

Pre-storm home preparedness

These are the steps to take before the storm hits or during the fall to prevent damage and ensure safety.

• Tree/limb mitigation: High winds and heavy ice accumulation (even a quarter inch of ice can add hundreds of pounds to a limb) are the primary cause of power outages. Have dead or weak tree limbs near your house, driveway, or power lines professionally trimmed or removed.
• Insulation and heat source: Ensure your home is ready to retain heat. Locate and test alternative heating sources (e.g., a properly vented gas fireplace or a portable propane heater). Ensure you have a supply of blankets and sleeping bags. Remember: Never use gas ovens or outdoor grills indoors for heat due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Water supply: Pack plenty of water. If you lose power, you may also lose water pressure if your system relies on a well or pump. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, aiming for a two-week supply. Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets before the storm hits.
• Communication: Charge all portable electronic devices (phones, laptops, tablets) fully before the storm arrives, as you don’t know when power will return.

Utility management and safety (during an outage)

Knowing how to safely manage your home’s utilities is crucial during a storm, especially when dealing with power loss.

Dealing with power outages

When the power goes out, the issue might be local (in your house) or widespread (on the street). Knowing the difference can prevent unnecessary panic or property damage.

If only part of your house loses power, check your main breaker box. A tripped breaker will usually be in the “off” position or slightly moved to the center/half-off position. In that case, turn the breaker completely off first, then firmly flip it back on. If it trips immediately again, unplug the appliance on that circuit and call an electrician; do not keep trying to reset it.

Widespread outage: If all power is out, check your neighbor’s houses. If they are also dark, the problem is with the utility company. Turn off major appliances (like the oven, stove, etc.) to prevent a surge when power is restored. Leave one light on to indicate when power is back. Report the outage to your power company immediately.

Utility shut-off knowledge

Knowing where and how to safely turn off your main gas and water lines can prevent catastrophic damage if pipes freeze/burst or gas lines are damaged by a falling tree.

Utility	Why turn it off?	Where to find it?	How to turn it off?
Water	Prevents flooding if pipes burst (due to freezing or debris).	Typically near the street/sidewalk or where the pipe enters your house.	Often requires a water meter key (or crescent wrench) to turn the main valve.
Natural Gas	Prevents fire/explosion if a gas line is severed (e.g., falling tree).	Usually located outside, next to the house where the gas pipe enters.	Requires a crescent wrench or specific shut-off tool to turn the valve handle 90 degrees (perpendicular to the pipe).

Crucial Safety Note: Never attempt to turn off your gas yourself if you smell gas. Evacuate immediately and call 911 and the gas company from a safe location.

Immediate storm hazards

• Downed power lines: Treat all downed lines as live and extremely dangerous. Stay at least 35 feet away (the length of a school bus) and keep others away. Call your utility company and 911 immediately.
• Fallen trees/debris: Only clear small debris if it is safe. Never use a chain saw or attempt to move large, heavy objects alone, especially if they are touching power lines or your home’s structure.
• Vehicle safety: If you lose control on an icy road and hit a pole or a meter, turn off the vehicle’s engine and stay put until professional help arrives. There could be live wires nearby.

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].

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