January Is Resolve to Be Ready Month: Here's What to Do

You toasted the new year and made well-intentioned resolutions. Now comes the harder part: Carrying them out. But this part doesn't have to be that difficult, especially when your resolution involves emergency preparedness. Here is a simple checklist of actions you can work through until that very satisfying moment when you check off the last item. (To make things easier, we've included the list as a downloadable PDF too.)

Plans

• Make an emergency plan for your family/pets/livestock or employees:
  • Choose a safe place to meet.
  • Create an evacuation plan for disasters requiring evacuation.
  • Establish an out-of-town contact for your family to reach out to after an emergency (sometimes after an emergency, out-of-state communication is restored faster).
• Map your Neighborhood. This is our local foundational system for community emergency prep. In 2023, you and your neighbors can get organized. It's not difficult. Read about it here.
• Set up group text lists so you can communicate with friends and family during emergencies.
• Sign up for alerts and warnings from COBI (Text 98110 to 888777) and FEMA (text ANDROID to 43362 or text APPLE to 43362).

Supplies

• Keep and update emergency supplies for every person and animal for three weeks:
  • Nonperishable food
  • Water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Cash in smaller bills
  • First aid supplies
  • Batteries and flashlights
  • Power sources already charged
• Keep and update supplies in your vehicles:
  • Blankets
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Emergency radio
  • Batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Phone chargers
• Refuel your vehicle when you hit the half tank mark.
• Prepare a go bag for evacuation:
  • Document photocopies
  • A few key items (photos, jewelry) you want to be certain not to lose
  • Prescriptions
  • A change of clothes
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Gloves

Documents

• Take a current photo of you and your children and pets together in case you get separated during a disaster.
• Take photos of important documents and save them online.
• Take photos of your property for insurance purposes.
• Make a list of the things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly.
• Update your pet’s microchip registration info so you can be contacted if your pet gets lost in a disaster.
• Put your name and contact information on your pet’s ID tag in case you’re separated in an emergency.

Finances

• Check your insurance for your disaster coverage (floods, tornados, wildfire, and earthquakes).
• Start and grow an emergency fund and create an emergency financial first aid kit.

Training

• Take a class in CPR and first aid. Bainbridge Prepares and the Bainbridge Island Fire Department offer classes throughout the year.
• Learn how to shut off propane and other gas valves.

With simple steps, you can ease your mind by making 2023 a year of being prepared.