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The Prepare in a Year action plan breaks up getting ready into small manageable tasks. In February we covered designating an out-of-state emergency contact, making an Emergency Contact card, and signing up for emergency alerts. In March we talked about things to consider before possibly needing to evacuate from home, including having an emergency kit already assembled to take with you. In April we discussed how to make water safe to drink, and how to store water. Catch up on the series of action steps via this handy link mil.wa.gov/personal
The Prepare in a Year series continues in May with more details about kits you can grab and go, also known as go bags or go kits. A small duffel bag, rolling suitcase, or old school backpack can hold a kit for each family member that’s tailored to their needs. You probably already have many of the items you’ll need: water, snacks, flashlight or headlamp, important phone numbers and documents, some cash, a cell phone power bank and charging cable. Maybe you already keep a kit like this in your car, at school or at work. Children may keep a kit at school or daycare. It’s a good idea to review the contents periodically – snacks have a way of getting eaten and not replaced. We love go kit lists - here’s ours: vashonbeprepared.org/en-us/Are-You-Ready/Residents/Go-Kits
Don’t forget to include an item for comfort or amusement like a teddy bear, crayons and a coloring book, or a crossword puzzle. (Those can really help during long ferry waits.) Building go kits makes a great kids’ summer project, because kits can start small and get really creative. If you’re feeling ambitious and would like to save money, go in with friends or neighbors on a bulk buy of pre-portioned snacks or ready-to-eat meals.
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