As we say goodbye to September–which is also National Preparedness Month–we asked some staff about what they’ve done to be ready for a disaster or emergency. Click on the photos to learn more.
And if you haven’t done much yet, don’t feel badly. But get started, perhaps taking a tip or two from these examples. You can also check out the Make It Through website. Don’t make us re-post our response to that scary New Yorker earthquake article!
Robin Laurence, Personal Health Services Supervisor, Eastgate has an emergency toilet. You might think it’s funny now, but wouldn’t you be glad to have one when you need it? Robin: “Toilet paper and plastic bags can be stored right in the bucket. Emergency toilet seats make great gifts! (They won’t be forgotten.)”
Dave Nichols, Public Health Reserve Corps Manager: “I do not own a car; I ride the bus or walk so I have to be ready for what comes. During the rainy season, I also have rain pants in my bag at all times.” Here are some items Dave recommends: Compass, pens, jump drive, Leatherman’s tool, flashlight, light stick, space blanket, stretchy rope, basic first aid kit, extra glasses, headlamp (for walking home in the dark if traffic out), battery pack. Get started two or three items from his list to your commuter preparedness!
Amy Shumann, Environmental Health Planner, keeps a spare set of shoes and prescription glasses under her bed. In an earthquake, many injuries result from glass from windows and mirrors shattering. If an earthquake happens while you are sleeping, you’ll want something to put on your feet right away so you don’t have to step on broken glass.
Melissa Krueck, Training and Exercise Manager, Preparedess: “I have dedicated a drawer in my office space for personal preparedness items. In this drawer I have spare clothes, toiletries, shoes and a blanket in case I have to spend the night in Chinook. I also store bottled water and snacks in this drawer in the event of an emergency.” Bonus tip: snacks come in really handy if you get stuck in traffic during a snow fall or when the President of China comes to visit.
Meredith Li-Vollmer, Communications: “This picture shows the anchors that connect the frame of my house to the foundation. It’s what will keep my 1949 brick rambler from sliding down the hill in an earthquake. I had them put in when I had some remodeling done.” More on what you can do to prepare your home: http://www.seattle.gov/emergency-management/what-can-i-do/prepare-your-home
Have more ideas? Take a photo and send them to meredith.li-vollmer@kingcounty.gov!