Individuals

As individual citizens, we play a vital role in our community’s journey to become the most prepared town in Washington State. It is our responsibility—not that of City Hall nor the Fire Department—to be able to take care of ourselves and our neighbors for at least two weeks after a widespread natural disaster.

Our first responders will be overwhelmed and focused on taking care of the community’s core infrastructure. Additional help from outside the area, such as the Red Cross will arrive but not for weeks due to significant destruction of regional transportation systems. It is up to us to get ready!

As you consider preparing your home, workplace, and family for emergencies, download this brief PDF to learn more about our Map Your Neighborhood program, how to receive text-based Nixle alerts, and the Top 10 Essentials you’ll want to have on hand to help your loved ones and direct neighbors. You’ll also read about our Disaster Hub network, K-12 school preparedness plans, and training opportunities we offer throughout the year.

Watch the brief video above to learn what you should do in the first five minutes after an earthquake to secure yourself and your loved ones and find out what materials you should have on hand. And learn more about COBI’s Are you Bainbridge PrepareD? program.
Fire Evacuation Zones Map

Fire Evacuation Zone Map

You can take these actions today to start on the path of preparedness for yourself and your loved ones:

  1. Enroll: Sign up for Nixle, a free notification system used by our police, fire, and city to advise subscribers of road closures and other emergencies with real-time updates on your cell phone, email, or both. Simply text your zip code to 888777 to enroll for free.

  2. Know: Look up (and share with your neighbors) your wildfire evacuation zone.

  3. Discuss: Gather your loved ones to discuss this family reunification plan (PDF)—customized for Bainbridge Island residents—to document how you can reunite quickly and safely when cell phones and land lines do not work.

  4. Prepare: Assemble your emergency supplies for first aid, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and more.

  5. Participate: Attend our annual preparedness event at City Hall and other events including trainings throughout the year.

  6. Learn: Listen to this insightful podcast series we did with BARN, watch this short video series from the Cascadia Rising 2022 event, and explore options for preparing with your neighbors.