NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH September is National Preparedness Month and a great reminder to prepare for the unexpected. Disasters and emergencies can strike anytime; sometimes leaving our communities without adequate aid for hours, days, or even weeks. Take time this month to review your emergency plans and supplies. Due to potential local wildfires, storms, floods, or landslides it is recommended that all Oregonians be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks. For coastal residents, like Lincoln County, it is recommended to be “4 Weeks Cascadia Ready” in preparation for a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. This means your household has enough food, water, medical supplies, sanitation supplies, and other life-sustaining resources to meet your needs for at least four weeks. In a major disaster such as a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, supply chain, responders, and transportation would be disrupted. Our communities need to be prepared to take care of each other until assistance is available. Be Informed o Know about possible hazards that can occur where you live. o Be familiar with local evacuation routes. o Sign up for local emergency alerts through Lincoln Alerts. Make an Emergency Plan o Talk with family and friends about what to do, including if you’re not together during an emergency. o Practice your plan at different times and on different days. What will you do if you are at home, work, school, or at another location? o Plan to check on your neighbors or vulnerable community members and offer assistance if possible. Build an Emergency Kit o Create an emergency kit or update your existing one. o Some supplies include: o at least 4 weeks supply of food and water for each person and any pets. Remember to include water for drinking, sanitation, and preparing meals if needed. o battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert o flashlight o first aid kit o extra batteries o whistle (to signal for help) o dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) and face coverings o plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place) o moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation) o wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) o manual can opener (for food) o local maps o cell phone with chargers and a backup battery More preparedness information and resources: o Lincoln County Emergency Management – Plan and Prepare Resources o Be Ready – Make a Plan o Be Ready – Build a Kit o CDC – Emergency Preparedness and Response o Red Cross – How to Prepare for Emergencies o Oregon Emergency Management – 2 Weeks Ready