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.

Last month, we explored the first two parts of an emergency plan: your communications plan and local meeting points. This month, we will finish off a basic family plan based around what I have in my own plan. The focus here is on your family’s go-kit. As I said last month, the goal is to make this tangible, guiding you step-by-step to create a plan that fits your unique needs.

Part 3: Shelter-in-place procedures

Not every emergency requires evacuation. Can you seal your home, or rooms in your home, if needed? Our windows are new, so I’m feeling good there, but our front door, not so much. I will need to keep thinking about how to properly seal our home.

Part 4: Emergency supplies kit (go-bag & home kit)

An emergency go-bag should contain essentials to help you and your family survive for three to five days if you have to evacuate your home. The key is to pack items that are lightweight, versatile, and address basic survival needs. A well-stocked go-bag should include:

• Water and food: You should pack at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. It’s also important to have non-perishable, high-energy food that requires no cooking, such as protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, and ready-to-eat pouches. Don’t forget a can opener if any of your food items require one.
• Medications and first-aid: A basic first-aid kit is a must. It should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gloves, and any personal prescription medications for a full week, along with a list of dosages and a copy of your doctor’s contact information. You should also pack over-the-counter pain relievers and any other medical supplies you or your family members require.
• Clothing and shelter: Pack at least one complete change of clothing per person, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sturdy shoes. A lightweight rain poncho or jacket is also essential. For shelter and warmth, a space blanket or a small, lightweight tarp can be used to provide temporary protection from the elements.
• Tools and supplies: A go-bag should include a flashlight with extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight, a multi-tool or pocket knife, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a whistle to signal for help. It’s also wise to pack personal hygiene items, such as soap, a toothbrush, and hand sanitizer.
• Important documents and money: Store copies of vital documents in a waterproof bag. These should include identification, birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance policies, and any other documents you would need to rebuild your life. It’s also crucial to have cash in small bills, as ATMs and credit card machines may not work during a widespread power outage.
• Special needs: Remember to include items for specific family members. This could be formula, diapers, and baby wipes for infants; comfort items or special snacks for children; or supplies for elderly family members. For pets, pack food, water, a leash, and any necessary medications. One thing a friend suggested to us years ago was to always include a special treat, like Sees chocolate for example. If you need to grab your go-bag and hit the road having a little treat can help keep your spirits up.

Part 5: Special needs and pet considerations

My wife and I both take meds regularly, so we have a short-term supply of what we’ll need. Review your needs: what do you need versus what can you get along without? Do you need medical equipment like an inhaler? Oxygen?

Do you have pets? I’ve had at least one, mostly two, cats most of my life, but currently we are cat-less. If we still had a pet, I know I would have a carrier to transport them and would include pet food in my go-bag.

Part 6: Utility shut-Off knowledge

Where you will be able to do this will vary from house to house, but the tools and skills are the same. First, you need to learn where to go. Most gas meters are along the side of your home, so look there. Generally, the water main will be down near the street or where the water comes into your property. How you turn it off may vary. I can just reach in and turn a valve, but I know some people need a tool to shut theirs off.

Learn what you need and get those tools as appropriate. Please keep in mind any of your elderly neighbors and, with their permission, learn how to shut off their gas and water as well as your own.

National Preparedness Month

Each September, the nation observes National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This initiative serves as a crucial reminder for all of us — individuals, families, and businesses — that taking proactive steps to prepare for emergencies can make a profound difference in a crisis. The core message is simple: prepare for the unexpected and empower yourself to be resilient.

The beauty of preparedness is that it doesn’t have to be expensive or happen all at once. It’s about taking small, manageable steps that build on each other.

Suggestions for families

This is a great time to review or start your family’s emergency plan. Here are some actionable steps you can take:

• Make a plan: Take the first step. Use the information from this article and past articles to create a personalized plan.
• Stay informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts from your city or county. Know what types of emergencies are most likely to affect your area and how you will receive official information.
• Practice: Run through your plan with your family. Walk through your evacuation routes and practice using your emergency supplies. The more you practice, the more intuitive your actions will become.

Suggestions for businesses

Preparedness isn’t just a personal responsibility; it’s a critical part of business continuity. Taking steps now can help you protect your employees, assets, and operations.

• Review Your risks: Identify the natural disasters or man-made events that could disrupt your business, such as power outages, cyberattacks, or supply chain issues.
• Create a business continuity plan: Document how your business will continue to operate during and after a disaster. This plan should include communication strategies for employees, key vendor and customer contacts, and procedures for accessing critical business data.
• Prepare your workplace: Assemble an emergency kit for your office with first-aid supplies, flashlights, and water. Ensure all employees know where to find the kit and are familiar with evacuation routes and assembly points.
• Back up critical data: Regularly back up all business-critical information, ideally to an off-site or cloud-based location. This simple step is one of the most effective ways to protect your business’s future.

By taking these steps, you’re not just preparing for the unknown—you’re building a more resilient and secure foundation for your family and your business.

CERT needs you! Fall 2025 training coming soon

A FREE certification course begins this October. This course will equip you with essential skills to assist your community during emergencies. The class is provided by the city of Salem CERT, under the auspices of the Salem Fire Department. There is no charge to participate. To become a fully certified member of CERT, you must attend all the sessions.

The class begins on Thursday, Oct. 9, and continues for six consecutive weeks until Thursday, Nov. 13, from 6-9 p.m. Each session will be held in the training room of Fire Station #6 at 2740 25th St. S.E. The final exam and graduation will take place on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon.

If you or someone you know is interested in this training opportunity, preregistration is required. Please contact Lola Hackett at [email protected] to register or for additional information.

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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