Energy Adviser: 4 keys to being prepared for an emergency

Last month, a windstorm blew through our state. We were lucky here in Clark County to weather the storm without much damage. But other areas to the north and in the Spokane area were hit with power outages that lasted more than a week. Because our system held up well, we were able to send crews to assist in these other areas where tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without power.

Here at Clark Public Utilities, we do our best to limit the amount of damage storms cause by proactively trimming trees year-round, treating underground power lines to help them last and replacing overhead lines with protected “tree wire” in heavily wooded areas. But even the most meticulously maintained system is no match for a big storm or natural disaster, and we all need to be prepared for the possibility of extended power outages.

To get ready, consider four things — a family emergency plan, predetermined meeting places, communication procedures and emergency kits.

To develop a household emergency plan, you don’t have to start from scratch. There are many good sources. You can find plan outlines, as well as premade plans for parents and kids at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan. Once you’ve got a plan, walk your family through it so everyone understands what to do.

To cover all types of emergency events, everyone needs to know at least three places to meet. First, it’s a good idea to have a gathering place in your home. Second, choose a safe location in your neighborhood. Finally, select an out-of-neighborhood meeting spot for anyone at school or commuting during the emergency. Places like a friend’s home, a church, a community center or a library are options.

For the communication part of your plan, collect phone numbers, addresses and emails and share that information with your family and friends. Print it out and put contact information in your emergency kits — be sure to include schools, hospitals and family doctors. Then decide on what messages your family will send to each other, and how. In an emergency, text messages are usually the best option and short texts like “I’m OK at church” are most likely to go through.

For emergency kits, think about your family’s specific needs. Searching online for “family emergency kit” will bring up sources for information on making your own kit, as well as options to purchase premade kits. The Clark Public Utilities website (www.clarkpublicutilities.com/index.cfm/safety-outages/power-outages/be-prepared), Red Cross (www.redcross.org) or www.ready.gov/kit are good places to kick-start thinking about your kit’s contents.

To start, plan for a three-day power outage. The Red Cross has a full list of suggested items but basics include a gallon of water for each person per day, canned or nonperishable food, a manual can opener, flashlight(s), a small radio, extra batteries and a first-aid kit. Extra medications are also critical and you’ll want to include enough of each prescription to get through three days or longer. Once you have your basic kit, you can build on it by adding tarps for shelter, rain gear and blankets.

Families with small children may need diapers, wipes and baby food. Pets will also need supplies. Commuters should consider kits for their vehicles, which can be important resources in emergencies because they can generate heat, charge electronic devices and provide shelter. So be sure to keep gas in the tank!

It’s not possible to plan for every emergency situation, but getting started now will help provide peace of mind knowing you’re prepared.

Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.