Emergency Preparedness

There are many things that people, families and businesses can do to prepare themselves for the impact of a natural or human-origin disaster or emergency. Many aspects of preparedness are common to all hazards. 

Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives every year and each disaster has lasting effects, both on people and property. Communities, families, and individuals should know what to do in the event of any disaster or emergency, such as a fire or during severe weather events.

If a disaster occurs in your community, local governments and disaster-relief organizations will try to help you, but you need to be ready as well.  Local responders may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere.

You should also be ready to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks. The Island County Department of Emergency Management recommends having at least two weeks of supplies and encourages residents to store more supplies if they are able to. Due to the unique geography of our region, it may be difficult to get supplies to our islands in the event of a significant disaster. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.