PNA has been following the City of Lake Oswego’s adoption of the Be 2 Weeks Ready (B2WR) Program. Oregon has faced a series of emergencies, including floods, droughts, wildfires, ice storms, heatwaves, and a pandemic. These events show the critical importance of being prepared. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) aims to empower people to prepare effectively because once a disaster occurs, preparation time is over. This is why individuals, families, and communities should strive to “Be 2 Weeks Ready.”
“I found many helpful points that everyone should be familiar with like the familiarization of utility shutoffs at the home which is really critical,” says Rob Heape, Board Member, Area 11 Representative and member of the Emergency Prep Committee.
For information regarding Oregon’s overall efforts and to read more in depth about Part 6: Shelter Plan, click here.
Summary of Part 6: Shelter Plan
A shelter plan helps you prepare for a variety of safe locations following a disaster. Whether you shelter inside or outside your home, in a community shelter, or with family and friends, you need to be prepared to shelter for up to two weeks following a disaster.
Sheltering Basics
- Shelter Plans: Be ready to shelter for up to two weeks at home, in a community shelter, or elsewhere with family or friends.
- Sheltering Options: Includes staying in place, camping outdoors, or moving to a community shelter.
Quick Start Steps
- Make Your Place Safer: Secure furniture, lock appliances, and address hazards.
- Sheltering in Place: Gather essential supplies such as lighting options, first-aid kits, maps, multi-tools, radios, duct tape, dust masks, fire extinguishers, sleeping bags, and personal needs items.
- Sheltering Away from Home: Know evacuation routes, community shelters, and prepare go-bags with essentials.
Special Considerations
- Outdoor Sheltering: Additional items include tents, tarps, ropes, and waterproof matches.
- Pet Evacuation: Prepare a pet go-bag with food, medications, and identification.
Safety Measures Post-Disaster
- Check on household members and provide first aid as needed.
- Stay updated using an emergency radio.
- Be alert for dangers such as aftershocks, tsunamis, and gas leaks.
- Wear protective footwear to avoid injuries.
- Safely extinguish small fires or evacuate if necessary.
- Shut off utilities properly and inspect for structural damage.
- Prioritize food safety and clean up hazardous spills responsibly.
Transportation and Utilities
- Avoid unnecessary car use to keep roads clear for emergency responders.
- Turn off gas, electricity, and water if required and ensure safe usage after restoration.
Key Reminders
- Organize tasks into manageable steps based on time and resources.
- Regularly update your plan and practice safety drills.
- Focus on readiness, with a particular emphasis on essentials for your household’s unique needs.
By taking incremental steps and preparing for various scenarios, you can ensure better safety and resilience during disasters.
For assistance, explore this activity in the Be 2 Weeks Ready Program Toolkit.
