DOUG DAHL / FOR THE BELLINGHAM HERALD If you spend some time looking around the library or the Internet you can find hundreds of recommendations on how to get ready for disasters. With so many suggestions, it's easy to become immobilized by the scope of the task. You don't have to do it all. Instead, pick the most important thing for you and do that.
Rather than provide a list of all the things you could do to get prepared for emergencies, I've provided some categories to think about. You might be well-equipped in some areas, woefully inadequate in others, and some may not apply to you at all. Pick at least one area and do one thing today to get ready.
Personal: Start with a 72-hour kit. It derives its name from the concept that everyone should be prepared to survive on their own for three days (72 hours) during a disaster. Include the basics like food, water and first aid supplies. Then add what you can't live without.
Family: If you live with anyone besides yourself, the family plan is a critical part of emergency preparedness. The goal of the family plan is to make sure everyone in your home knows how to contact each other if you're not together when a disaster strikes, how to reunite, and some strategies for likely situations.
Pets: Don't forget about the critters. If you're packing a 72-hour kit for yourself, add some supplies for your pets too.
Home: Walk through your home paying attention to anything that could fall over in an earthquake - furniture, shelves, decorations, water heater, toxic cleaning supplies. Find ways to make them secure. Read More
