Spring weather is notoriously unpredictable, with huge temperature swings and extreme weather changes over short periods. Thunderstorms can appear out of nowhere and lead to severe events such as lightning, flooding, waterspouts and tornadoes. Such emergencies can threaten our immediate safety, as well as food and power supplies. Wildfire season is just around the corner, too.
When severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and weather-related death increases, especially for people with special needs or disabilities. That’s why we recommend expecting the unexpected—including earthquakes, which in Oregon can cause tsunamis—and being prepared.
Oregon recommends you be 2 Weeks Ready. That means be prepared to survive without normal access to basic resources for two weeks. Remember, it’s okay to take small steps toward that goal. It takes time to build kits and make a plan. The important thing is that you make progress.
Make a plan
- Understand what types of disasters could affect your area and how you will receive emergency alerts.
- Make a shelter plan.
- Know your evacuation route.
- Make a communication plan with your family members, because you may not be together when emergencies happen.
Emergency preparedness kits
Kits found online are not one-size-fits all, but they can be helpful in getting ideas for your preparedness kit. Tailor your kit to fit you and your family’s needs at work, school and home.
Some basic kit items include:
- Food and water (one gallon per person per day, additional for pets, livestock and service animals)
- Battery powered or hand cranked radio
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle
- Local maps
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
People with disabilities or special needs should consider including:
- Face coverings
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- All medications (in original bottles or packaging if possible) or written copies of all prescriptions
- List of all medical conditions
- At least one change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
- Any important medical equipment (walkers, wheelchair, canes, oxygen concentrators, etc.)
- Essential medical supplies (syringes, blood sugar monitor, catheter, etc.)
- Eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, communication devices
- Cell phone and charger
- Contact numbers for family, health care provider and pharmacy
- Supplies for special dietary needs
- Photo ID, if possible
- Medical insurance information
Don’t forget your pets and service animals!
Build a kit for Fido or Fluffy that includes documents (recent photograph, rabies certificate, prescriptions for medications, microchip information, etc.), a two-week supply of food and water, manual can opener, pet first aid book, leash, collar with ID, and more. Prepare boarding instructions in case your animal needs temporary boarding at a shelter or vet.
On a budget?
Kits don’t have to be expensive. You may be able to gather and organize items you already have. If you’re replacing something that has gotten old but still works, such as a spare set of clothes or boots, consider keeping the old item for your kit. Ask friends or neighbors if they have extra items they’re looking to trade or give away. For anything you must buy, consider buying used items at a discount, or purchase items when there’s a sale or coupon available.
Find more information on kits here.
Children
Consider enrolling family members ages 26 and under in the free HERO Kids Registry (young adults 15 and older can register themselves), which can provide first responders and emergency medical providers with details of a child’s health background when making split-second decisions. It is especially useful for young people with complicated or chronic health conditions, and for those who experience developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. You can also include emergency contact information, which can help reunite families during a disaster. Learn more here.