Southwest Washington hasn’t faced many catastrophic events since the 1980 St. Helen’s eruption. Across the United States, however, Americans have weathered no fewer than 238 weather and climate disasters since then, and the cost of these natural disasters is approaching $1.5 trillion.
But less dramatic events — severe winter winds, excessive snow and flooding, as well as car accidents, falling limbs, and animals — cause more frequent power outages. And with geologists reminding us that a very large earthquake may occur in our area during this lifetime, it’s more important than ever to be well equipped. Still, according to a FEMA study, 60 percent of us aren’t prepared. And being prepared takes planning.
Clark Public Utilities, area cities, the county and community services practice emergency drills to test their disaster readiness for the “big one.” Are you equally well prepared?
“At the minimum, customers should store three days’ supplies for an emergency,” said Gene Morris, safety manager for Clark Public Utilities.
Crisis communication is key. Craft an emergency communication plan so that when disaster hits, friends and family members caught at school, work, or on the road can communicate. Stay informed using weather apps on your smartphone and sign up for local text alerts and warnings. Organize a home evacuation plan and define a gathering point — a school, church or another central place.
Gather emergency supplies and store them in a place that will be accessible in the dark. For a “starter” kit, select the items your household needs during a three-day power outage. Inside the container put water, a first-aid kit, batteries, a radio, flashlights, and canned or packaged foods. Include a can opener and eating utensils. Also remember to plan for pets and young children.
If the emergency lasts more than 24 hours, eat the food in the fridge and freezer before any food stored away. Meals ready to eat, or MREs, and canned goods store well and need no refrigeration. Nuts, peanut butter and jam can be stored easily, as can such dried foods as rice, pasta, dried fruit, energy bars and powdered milk. Keep any special dietary needs in mind.
Don’t forget about prescription medication. Store medicine and medical supplies in an easily accessible place. The utility keeps a record of customers whose lives depend on electrically powered medical equipment. Knowing about medical needs makes it easier for the utility to help during an outage, but responsibility remains with the customer.
“Every medical customer must have a backup plan because being on our lists doesn’t guarantee power,” Morris said.
Throughout a crisis, keep comfort and safety in mind. Remember to plan for sanitation and personal hygiene supplies including toilet paper, hand sanitizer and plastic bags for waste disposal. A 5-gallon bucket with a plastic bag inserted is a workable toilet, but an inexpensive camping toilet works better.
“Follow the guidelines for food expiration dates and change the water in containers a couple of times a year so it’s fresh,” Morris said.
Households with electrically powered medical equipment should have a small generator available; just be sure to operate it safely and to never run a generator, barbecue or propane stove indoors or near open windows. Poisonous gases are invisible and deadly.
For comprehensive supply lists and additional emergency planning tips, visit clarkpublicutilities.com or the Red Cross website.
If the lights go out, report it by calling 360-992-8000 or using the mobile-friendly reporting tool on the website. Remember to never approach or attempt to move a downed power line. Report it to the utility immediately and call 911 only in case of fire, injury or immediate danger.
