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September is National Preparedness Month - Are You 2 Weeks Ready?
Oregon has experienced a recent cycle of emergencies and disasters, including floods, drought, wildfires, ice storms, excessive heat, and a pandemic. If the recent disasters that have impacted our state have taught us anything, it's that being prepared can make a big difference. While the traditional three days of supplies is a good start and helpful for short-term power outages or temporary evacuation, experts recommend that each Oregon citizen proactively prepare to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks during a disaster.
This is because first responders may not be able to reach everyone impacted within hours or even days after a disaster, especially in the event of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Being 2 Weeks Ready means having a plan and enough supplies for you and your household to survive on your own for a full two weeks.
Being 2 Weeks Ready:
- Takes pressure off first responders so they can triage effectively and attend to life-threatening situations
- Ensures you and your family can survive if roads are impassable, and no one can reach you with help or supplies
- Encourages neighbors to care for one another, along with other vulnerable populations
Disasters – large and small – can strike any time. Taking simple steps today can pay huge dividends when the next emergency arrives. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management’s 2 Weeks Ready program empowers Oregonians to:
MAKE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
- Learn how to develop an Emergency Plan.
- Discuss the plan with your household, loved ones, friends and neighbors.
- Practice the elements of the plan so you’ll be ready when a disaster occurs.
BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT
- Being prepared means being equipped with at least two weeks’ worth of food, water, and critical supplies. Learn how to assemble an emergency supply kit at Ready.gov or American Red Cross.
- Prepare a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate.
- Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry backpack, bucket or bag that you can use at home or take with you in an emergency.
- Everyone’s kit will look different. There is no one correct way to put together two weeks’ worth of supplies since everyone has individual needs.
BE INFORMED
- Sign up for emergency alerts in your area at OR-Alert.
- Make sure your cell phone has Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled.
- Know evacuation routes in your area.
Medford Water wants our customers to have the water they need to protect public health and stay hydrated in an emergency; find out how much water you and your family need and how to store it here.
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