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.

Building the foundation: Why “2 weeks ready” is our goal for 2026

As we begin 2026, many of us are focused on New Year’s resolutions that usually involve gym memberships or tighter budgets. And yes, I’m speaking for myself there. But there’s one resolution I’d like us to put on our list: making sure our households are truly prepared for whatever the Willamette Valley throws our way.

Beginning this month we’re going to return to a concept I’m deeply committed to: becoming “2 weeks ready.” While that might sound like a long time, understanding the why behind that 14-day window is the first step toward true peace of mind.

For the “routine” disasters we see in Salem, like heavy ice storms or high-wind events that knock out power for a few days or weeks, having a two-week supply of food and water could be viewed as a “luxury.” In those cases, 14 days of supplies ensure you don’t have to travel icy roads or make your way around downed trees or power lines, for milk or bread. However, when we talk about a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, that same two-week supply shifts from “luxury” to a “bare-minimum survival baseline.”

In a significant earthquake, our infrastructure, including the bridges we cross and the pipes that bring water to our taps, could be compromised for weeks or even months. In that scenario, professional first responders will be overwhelmed, and help may not be able to reach your specific neighborhood immediately. This series is designed to move us past the “why” and into the “how,” breaking down the path to 2-week self-sufficiency into manageable, bite-sized pieces. We aren’t just preparing for a storm; we are building the resilience needed to be our own first responders when it matters most.

Starting your journey

Becoming 2 weeks ready doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. If you tackle one small task each week, by the time we finish you’ll be further ahead than most people. Here is your roadmap for January of 2026:

Week 1: The essential lifeline

We begin with the most critical resource, people can go weeks without food, but only days without water. The rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day, and don’t forget your pets! For a family of four, 14 days of water means storing 56 gallons.

If that sounds like a lot, it is! You don’t have to buy it all today. Start by purchasing a few extra gallons on each trip to the store. Consider using designated BPA-free containers for long-term storage. If space is tight, consider alternatives like high-quality water filters or purification tablets, but having wet water (liquid water ready to drink) on hand is always the gold standard.

Week 2: The most forgotten tool

Go to your kitchen and find your manual can opener. Is it sturdy? Does it actually work, or does it skip gears? In a power outage, your fancy electric opener becomes a paperweight. If you don’t have a reliable, hand-operated can opener, pick one up this week. It is the one tool people often forget until the lights are out and they need to open a meal.

Week 3: Morale in a bottle

Staying hydrated is a chore when you’re stressed. Add some instant drink mixes to your kit: powdered milk, fruit drinks, or electrolyte powders. These provide a necessary caloric boost and added vitamins, but more importantly, they are a major morale booster. In a disaster, a little flavor goes a long way in keeping spirits up, especially for children.

Week 4: Shedding light on the situation

For the final week of the month, focus on lighting. Place sturdy flashlights in the rooms where you spend the most time (bedside, kitchen, hallway). Check your battery supply and ensure they aren’t expired. Keep extra batteries on hand so you’ll have spares when needed.

Pro-tip: While we all use our phone’s “flashlight” app, in a long-term outage, your phone is your most precious communication tool. Don’t waste its battery on light—use a dedicated flashlight instead.

Tools for the journey

While these weekly steps cover the basics, you don’t have to navigate your preparedness journey alone. For those looking for more in-depth information, may I recommend visiting SalemOregonCERT.org.

Our website is designed as a hub for additional resources and “how-to” guides on preparing for local hazards, as well as information on how you can connect with your local Community Emergency Response Team. Whether you want to download a disaster plan or are interested in signing up for our next training class to help your neighbors, the website is a great place to start.

Coming up next month

These are only the first steps toward a more resilient 2026. This sets us up perfectly for February, where we’ll tackle Weeks 5 through 8 of our checklist, focusing on shelf-stable proteins, essential hygiene, home inventories for insurance, and building a robust first aid kit.

Beyond the supplies, we will also take a ‘10,000-foot view’ of what a household emergency plan actually looks like. Yes, we’ve covered this before. It’s more than just a list; it’s about knowing your escape routes, designating meeting spots outside your neighborhood, and identifying that one out-of-area contact everyone knows to call.

Finally, I’ll be sharing some more CERT news regarding our spring 2026 training schedule. If you’ve been on the fence about joining, next month will be the perfect time to see how you can get involved.

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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