After a disaster, you’ll need to decide if you can safely shelter in place or need to evacuate and shelter elsewhere. Most often, people are better off remaining in their homes and communities as long as it is safe to do so. Even without utilities such as water and electricity, remaining on your own property may be your best option — if you’ve planned and prepared properly. This month, take steps to prepare your home for sheltering in place safely, and prepare a kit in case you need to seek shelter elsewhere.
After a major earthquake or other disaster event, it may be weeks or months before water, gas, and power are restored. During this time, it may be possible to remain at the home or to camp in the backyard.
Strengthen your home. If your home is more than 30 years old, take steps to strengthen your home’s structural integrity. This may include upgrading to a continuous perimeter foundation or adding bolts to secure your home to the foundation. These steps can be done by a foundation contractor or other professional with proper earthquake retrofit training.
Fix home hazards. Take the time now to move heavy pieces of furniture away from beds, sofas, and other places where people sit, sleep, or spend a lot of time. Move heavy objects to lower shelves, and secure heavy furniture to the wall.
Prepare to camp. Collect the supplies you’ll need to camp on your property in case your home becomes damaged and unsafe to live in. Have a tent, bedding, and outdoor camping supplies ready. Get ideas on what else you’ll need by searching for “camping checklists” online. Include a few items to make your time camping more comfortable, such as games, books, crafts, comfort foods (chocolate, snacks, soup) and personal hygiene items (deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner or dry shampoo, wet wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste).
Choose a sanitation method. There are two sanitation methods that can be used when sewer/septic systems are offline: safe storage for later disposal or active composting. Learn which method works best for you by searching online for “emergency sanitation methods.”
RESOURCE: Oregon Office of Emergency Management, https://www.oregon.gov/oem/
Supplies
- Continue to build supplies of food, water and cash. Begin collecting camping and sanitation supplies.
- Camping stove and fuel
- Matches/lighter/firestarter
- Dishes, utensils
- Pots/pans
- Lantern(s)
- Trash bags
- Sanitation supplies
Practice Camping
Practice camping with the family. If you’re not an avid camper with lots of experience “roughing it,” you can get some no-stress practice by pitching your tent in the backyard. This will help you familiarize yourself with the tent setup and ensure your tent is in proper working order. You’ll also discover if there are additional supplies that could make emergency camping more comfortable: extra blankets or a yoga mat under your sleeping bags; a favorite toy for your child/children, or food items that are easy to prepare outdoors.
Sheltering Elsewhere
In case of evacuation, or if sheltering in place isn’t possible, remember to bring some basic supplies or your emergency kit with you to the shelter. You should include all the items that get you through your personal daily routine.