September 16, 2009

Get ready for it

By Tom Kaser
for The Chronicle

     Most people don’t think about being prepared for a disaster until one is at hand, and then it’s too late.
     The common assumption is that disasters only happen elsewhere. Or that if they do happen here, they’re going to happen and there’s not much we can do about it.
     “That’s a dangerous, irresponsible attitude,” says Lynette Black of Oregon State University’s Extension Service. She has ample national credentials in disaster preparedness, knows how other regions have dealt with disasters, and has seen “time and again how preparedness is the key.”
     In 2007-08 she was part of a national team of extension agents who developed a training program for youth and adults in using GIS/GPS technology during a disaster. Her team trained 170 people from 47 U.S. counties and received a regional award from the National Association of
     Extension 4-H Agents and a national award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
     September is National Preparedness Month, and Black is doing all she can to increase disaster-preparedness awareness.
     Disaster preparedness is a tough sell, Black says, not only because of public apathy but because Wasco County hasn’t had a full-blown disaster — “not yet.”
     “We’ve had smaller-scale incidents, like the 2002 Sheldon Ridge wildfire, the 1996 floods, the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption, and a chemical spill from a train.
     “But a disaster here is inevitable — severe weather, a wildfire, an earthquake, a volcano eruption, a chemical spill, flooding, or a nuclear or technological accident.”
     If a disaster does occur here, what would it likely be?
     “Severe weather, drought, and wildfire are the top three threats, according to a hazard identification and vulnerability analysis done by the federal government,” Black says.
     “A disease epidemic, flood, and earthquake fall in the top 10. Scientists are calling for a 9.0 earthquake off the southern coast of Oregon that will cause devastation like we have never seen before.
     “Most people in The Dalles don’t know it, but there’s a fault running right under the eastern part of Scenic Drive, and earthquakes can cause landslides. It’s important for us all to understand that a big earthquake is inevitable. It’s not a matter of if but when.”
     Black says preparing for all types of disasters is extremely important.
     “Survival is just the first challenge. Infrastructures could be damaged or disrupted. Roads and highways could be impassable, fuel and energy sources could be out of order, and communications could be disrupted.
     “Supplies will be short. Urban areas like Portland will get priority for receiving supplies. Outlying areas like ours will have to be self-sufficient. We saw this last Christmas, when we had lots of ice and snow, and local store shelves were often empty of popular items because trucks couldn’t get in.”
     But Black’s main concern is the community’s mental health after a disaster strikes.
     “If you can’t get needed supplies and can’t even contact family members or friends to see if they’re OK, that’s going to cause stress. That’s why it’s so important to have a communication plan in place.
     “The entire 541 area code may be down, but you may be able to reach a pre-designated person in the 503 area code who can get through and relay messages. Text messaging will often go through when phone calls won’t.”
     Black suggests these tips for being prepared for a disaster:
     Set aside a “preparedness kit” of everything you would need if you had to live at least three days on your own. The FEMA-recommended five days would be even better, Black says, because “every major disaster has shown that help won’t be coming for at least that time.”
     Water is the most important thing to have in the preparedness kit: at least a gallon a day per person.
     The kit should also include a list of important phone numbers, including those of relatives; copies of important papers like insurance documents, marriage license, Social Security cards, doctor contact information, insurance agent; an extra set of important keys; prescription medications; and a good first-aid kit.
     Have a separate kit, with food and water, for your animals and a plan for where to take them should you have to evacuate. Many hotels do not allow pets, and Red Cross shelters do not allow pets (only service animals). You are responsible for all your animals, including livestock.
     Be prepared by taking a basic first-aid class and a CPR class.
Have a family emergency communication plan in place, including a designated out-of-the-area-code person to contact and leave messages with.
     Probably your best preparation: stay healthy physically and mentally. Eat well, build strength and stamina, and learn to manage stress.