GET TWO-WEEKS READY

Are you ready for an earthquake or major windstorm?  Like it or not, these natural hazards could hit Whidbey Island at any time.   We recommend that every South Whidbey resident and family be two-weeks ready in case of a catastrophic natural disaster, such as the impending Cascadia earthquake. 
To help you gather a robust emergency kit, we have created a 12-week checklist that breaks down the components of an emergency kit and helps you stock up one piece at a time. Personalize the items on the checklist to your family's special needs, appetite and preferences.

Week 1: Grocery Store

​Things to purchase or collect:

• 3 gallons of water per person
• 2 large jars of peanut butter
• 2 large cans of juice
• 4 cans of protein (e.g. meat or beans)
• Hand-operated can opener
• 1 permanent marker
• Diapers, baby food, and bottles, if applicable

Things to do:

• Make a family emergency plan
• Date each food item you purchase

Week 2: Hardware & Supplies

​Things to purchase or collect:

• Hammer, screwdriver, wrench and crowbar
• Rope, duct tape, plumber's tape, cords
• 2 crank or battery-powered flashlights

Things to do:

• Check your home for hazards; secure loose and heavy objects (e.g. TVs, shelves) or anything that may tip over during an earthquake.
• Locate gas and water shutoffs and your electrical panel. Make sure you know how to shut off all utilities, attach any necessary tools.

Week 3: Grocery Store

​Things to purchase or collect:

• 3 gallons of water per person
• 3 large cans of vegetables
• 4 cans of protein (e.g. meat or beans)
• Personal hygiene products

Things to do:

• Establish an out-of-state friend or family member to contact during an emergency.

Week 4: Grocery Store

​Things to purchase or collect:

• 3 gallons of water per person
• 2 cans of fruit
• 4 cans of vegetables
• 4 cans of protein (e.g. meat or beans)
• 6 rolls of toilet paper
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and/or denture care
• Any specialty foods (diabetic, etc.)

Things to do:

• Film or photograph the contents of your home for insurance purposes. Send the film to a family member or friend out of state.

Week 5: First Aid

​Things to purchase or collect:

• Aspirin or acetaminophen
• Hot and cold compresses
• Bandages, gauze and first aid tape
• Hand and dish soap, hand sanitizer, etc.

Things to do:

• Check with your child's school about their emergency and disaster plans.

Week 6: Grocery Store

​Things to purchase or collect:

• 3 gallons of water per person
• 6 cans of ready-to-eat soup
• 2 cans of fruit
• 2 cans of vegetables

Things to do:

• Have a home fire drill
• Take family pictures to put in your emergency kit

Week 7: First Aid

​Things to purchase or collect:

• Scissors, tweezers, sewing kit
• Thermometer
• Medical device batteries (e.g. hearing aids)
• Additional supply of medications, including prescriptions (1-3 months)

Things to do:

• Put shoes and a flashlight under your bed so they are on-hand during an emergency

Week 8: Hardware & Supplies

​Things to purchase or collect:

• Water purification (e.g. tablets, filters, bleach)
• Heavy-duty garbage bags
• Waterproof container for vital documents
• Portable radio with batteries

Things to do:

• As applicable, store a spare set of glasses or contacts and saline solution; make a copy of any prescriptions.

Week 9: Grocery Store

​Things to purchase or collect:

• 2 large cans of juice
• 4 boxes of energy bars/snacks
• Plastic food bags and aluminum foil
• 3 rolls of paper towels
• Paper plates, cups and utensils

Things to do:

• Back up or copy important computer files, photographs, documents, etc. Send a copy to a family member or friend out of state. 

Week 10: First Aid

​Things to purchase or collect:

• Diarrhea medicine, allergy medications
• Vitamins
• Latex gloves
• Rubbing alcohol

Things to do:

• Speak to neighbors to find out who may need help during an emergency, such as the elderly or disabled. 
• Discuss who can help your children if an emergency occurs when you are not home.
• Include extra clothes in your emergency kit.

Week 11: Hardware & Supplies

​Things to purchase or collect:

• Fire extinguisher
• Pliers and work gloves
• Extra batteries for flashlights and radio
• Extra nails and screws
• Emergency blankets, rain protection

Things to do:

• Find out about your workplace's emergency preparedness planning.
• Include cash in the kit as you are able.

Week 12: Grocery Store

​Things to purchase or collect:

• Dry cereal and crackers
• Quick snacks (e.g. raisins)
• Assorted plastic storage containers with lids
• Instant coffee, tea, drinks, etc.

Things to do:

• Have an earthquake or severe weather drill at home

 Pets

If you have pets, remember that pets will need food and water during an emergency, too.
Be sure to store a few gallons of water for your cat or dog. Also, be sure to have a pet carrier or leash available in case you need to leave your home.

Children

Children are particularly vulnerable during an emergency, so make sure you have plenty of supplies to keep them comfortable. 
Your kit should include their favorite snacks and some games or other activities to help keep them calm and happy.