Being prepared for a disaster, even during a pandemic

Did the winter storm in Texas last week make you think about what if we had a disaster here in Point Roberts? What would you do? Are you prepared?

Point Robert’s beauty and isolation is a double-edged sword, as we have all learnt over the past year. If there is a major disaster, it is likely that it will impact areas in the Pacific Northwest beyond Point Roberts and on both sides of the border. Point Roberts Emergency Preparation (PREP) assumes that it could be a couple of weeks before we are able to get outside assistance.

What can you do? Most importantly, have a plan to shelter in place. The actions that you take are the same as what you would do in a disaster even if there was not a pandemic, with the addition of steps that we have all gotten used to over the past year: Wear a mask, maintain at least six feet of social distance and wash or sanitize your hands.

Before any event occurs, you need to have a plan in place that all members of your family are familiar with. Plan a meeting spot where everyone can meet up outside of your home.

Arrange for an out-of-town contact that the family can communicate through. Utilize text messages instead of calls. Every member of the family should carry a contact card, in case you are in different locations. Have a flashlight with fresh batteries in every bedroom. Think about how you could heat food and water if you did not have power.

Think about water, food, heat and housing. We recommend having “kits” prepared and located where you can get at them easily: (1) stay at home kit (two weeks of supplies); (2) evacuation kit (three days of supplies in a to-go bag); (3) one-month supply of medications in an easy grab container; and a (4) pet kit.

There are multiple companies online that sell kits that are already made up, and there are multiple lists of what should be in your kit. It is not necessary to purchase pre-made kits as you can create the kits from things you have in your home. 

What if you cannot stay in your home? PREP has built on what we learned from the 2018 windstorm. Again, where safely possible you should shelter in place. The community center will continue to be the central gathering spot for food, heat and power for those who need it. PREP has contingency plans for socially distanced sheltering and food distribution.

If you want to get involved, PREP is always looking for more volunteers. We meet the first Tuesday of every month and will send out our Zoom information via PAWS and Point-Interface.

(Kellie Ryan is a member of the PREP Shelter Group.)