Preparedness is the foundation for building a resilient Tribal community.
While Suquamish Tribe Office of Emergency Management focuses on preparing our whole community for disasters, everyone has a role to play in emergency preparedness. You can prepare by planning ahead, and increasing your ability to survive and thrive in the face of disaster.
Here are some tips and checklists for making yourself, your workplace, and our community more prepared:
Take the time to think about your daily activities and unique needs. What can you do now to ensure you are able to respond to emergencies and recover from a disaster that disrupts your normal routine for days or weeks at a time?
Personal preparedness starts with knowing the hazards that threaten your community, and how to lessen their impacts. It also requires you have essential emergency supplies on hand – for your home, workplace, and vehicle. You probably already have most of these items and just need to gather them in a centralized location. Your emergency kit should include (at a minimum) the following items:
Water- 1 gallon per person per day (for drinking, washing, cooking)
Food- Non-perishable, ready to eat food and always select items you like to eat. Remember to monitor expiration dates and replace as needed
First Aid supplies—Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, pain-relief medication, prescriptions and personal medical equipment
Electronics—Light sources that are hand-cranked or battery powered, portable radio and extra batteries (a great way to stay informed), and alternate means to charge your phone or computer
Clothing—At least one extra pair of warm clothing, rainproof outer clothing and boots to keep you dry, Comfortable, sturdy shoes in case you need to walk long distances
Disasters can happen when you are not with your loved ones. It is important for your family to discuss how to contact one another, reunite, and respond during different situations. A good family emergency plan should include:
- A home meeting spot
- An out-of-area contact
- Public safety phone numbers for your area (police, fire, hospital)
- Reunification location, if you can’t make it to your home
Each family member should keep personal and emergency phone numbers in a safe place, such as your wallet or emergency kit. They should also know alternative methods for contacting each other if phone lines are down, and for traveling to your reunification location. Deciding these details in advance will help make you calmer during a disaster.
Don’t forget the needs of your pets too!
If your family includes children, involve them in your planning and teach them about potential disasters. Empower your children to take appropriate actions to remain safe during a specific emergency. Teach them who to call when they need help, and where to go if they aren’t able to make it home.
Reduce the likelihood that your children, especially toddlers and infants, will get hurt during an earthquake by securing large furniture, pictures, and other heavy objects that could fall and harm them. At age four, children can start learning safety actions, such as DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON when the ground shakes.
Sometimes disasters can impact your home. Preparing the area where you live helps keep you safe and will minimize damage to your property.
There are several ways you can prepare your home such as secure cabinets and wall hangings, learn how to turn off utilities, secure your water heater, and secure hazardous materials.
Also it’s a good idea to talk to your insurance provider to learn what hazards are covered under your policy.