Prepare for the Unexpected

September 01, 2024

Emergencies are unpredictable and can happen at any time. The unknowns can be scary, but you can reduce that fear by planning ahead, especially for the vulnerable members of your household.

Know Your Risk

In the Pacific Northwest, winter brings snow, ice, and wind, while summer brings extreme heat and the risk of wildfires. These could leave you without power and essential services for several days or more.

Make a Plan

Create an emergency communication plan and prepare for evacuating or sheltering during a disaster or outage. Your plan should include:

  • Emergency contact information, including someone out of state who can act as a central point of contact if your family is separated.
  • A safe, familiar meeting place for protection or reuniting with family members.

Take Action

Prepare an emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours. 
Your kit should include:

  • Food and water
  • Medications
  • A communication source
  • Supplies for young children or pets

Visit ready.gov/plan for more information on planning ahead, building a kit, and signing up for local emergency alerts and warning systems.

family making a plan