Let’s take looking after neighbors to a whole new level

By Campbel McClusky

Yes, our Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness (PREP) slogan is “neighbors helping neighbors,” but here on our little thumbnail of land, we already look after each other more than in larger communities.

We slow down for bike riders and horseback riders, we often stop to offer rides, we put out signs for apples and free items, we stop and withhold honking for two drivers of vehicles going opposite directions to chat with each other, we keep the food bank donation box at the market stocked, we wait patiently in lines, we support the library, the senior lunches, the pancake breakfast, the runs for good causes, even fund-raising for unforeseen needs ... the list goes on.

We watch for packages left on neighbors’ porches and put them inside or under protection from the weather, we take mail for neighbors left in our box by mistake to the intended address, we use headlights both day and night, we enjoy both neighbors and strangers we encounter in the market aisles, we turn walks at Lighthouse Park into informal chat sessions and we commiserate with each other when trouble strikes. Notice, this list doesn’t even mention sawing up trees blown down across streets or driveways.

Where might all this positive energy go? It might include: neighbors making routine house calls next door, neighbors holding preparedness meetings, neighbors committing to Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training periodically offered at the fire hall, and neighbors sharing whatever preparedness steps they’ve taken with others in the neighborhood just to get them up and working on their own potentially life-saving preparations.

Plus, volunteering to provide sheltering assistance when the needs arise, or canvassing homes to confirm all residents are well, or sharing emergency resources, or merely following directions from emergency personnel whether CERT, fire department volunteers, shelter managers or others providing relief. And, of course, volunteering on-going support and participation in burgeoning community efforts to be individually and collectively prepared for whatever type of emergency might impact the Point.

Remember, we few may be all we’ve got.