One Year To Be Prepared: Month 10 Checklist

Each month during 2023, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Emergency Management team will provide you a checklist for assembling emergency supplies and help you and your family think though various emergency scenarios. The monthly checklists will also prompt you to consider special circumstances, such as supplies for pets, elders, evacuation routes, and sanitation.

(For the complete list of One Year to be Prepared lists, click here)

MONTH TEN: NEIGHBORHOOD PREPAREDNESS

Neighborhood preparedness is a neighborhood-wide effort to share the training, education, and resources that each person has in order to prepare in advance for disaster on a collective level.

There’s so much to do… So get some help!

Preparing for emergencies can be time-intensive and come with a hefty price tag, if you’re doing it right; but working with your neighbors can reduce the load on one person or family. Many skills and equipment you will need may already exist in your neighborhood. Work with neighbors to compile a list of neighbors, equipment, and skills each household can contribute in a crisis.

Coordinate with Neighbors

Make a community event (like a block party) to feed the neighborhood and coordinate a list of skills and resources.
In an emergency, camping gear such as tents, canopies, etc. can be used for temporary shelter, feeding spot, first aid station, pet care center, etc.
Individuals with a certificate or license for medical skills, building skills, utility work, or heavy equipment operation may be willing to lead in their areas of expertise.
Equipment and tools used for debris removal, home repair, snow removal, etc. could be shared in the community instead of purchased. Be sure to include provisions for replacements, if needed.
Integrate emergency preparedness into your Neighborhood Watch or Home Owners’ Associations meetings. Invite guest speakers from local emergency management office, fire department, or American Red Cross to your meetings.
Start a “buddy squad” to check on elderly or disabled neighbors and children who may be home alone during or after disasters, such as extended power outages or winter storms.

Planning

Begin creating a plan to work with your neighbors during a disaster.
Learn what emergency plans are in place at your family’s work, school, childcare, etc.

Train or Be Trained

Learn or teach someone to use the tools around your home.
If you have generators, chainsaws, tractors, etc. around your home, practice using them until you are comfortable operating them on your own.

Supplies – Gather or Purchase

Add supplies to your Car Kit (see Month Two). You should have one kit per vehicle.
Gather or purchase any items missing from your emergency kits.
Add three days worth of water and food to your emergency kits (don’t forget spices and sweeteners for cooking).