Health library

What you can do before disaster strikes.

We witness the effects of earthquakes, floods and chemical spills from the safety of our living rooms during the evening news, but none of us  likes to think about being in a major disaster right here at home.

Northeast Oregon may be out of the path of tornadoes and hurricanes, but natural and manmade disasters can—and do—happen anywhere.

At Grande Ronde Hospital, we take disaster preparedness very seriously by playing an active role in the Region 9 Hospital Preparedness Program, and we recently participated in a coordinated disaster training exercise with the U.S. Civil Support Team and local emergency services.

We also take an active role in a countywide emergency task force and encourage our employees to assemble a basic emergency supply kit at home. We think everyone should do the same. When it comes to disaster preparedness, Grande Ronde Hospital wants you to be aware and prepare.

After a major disaster, it is unlikely that emergency services will be able to immediately respond to everyone’s needs, so it’s important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours. The usual services we take for granted—running water, refrigeration and telephone service—may be unavailable.

Experts recommend everyone be prepared with a household disaster kit sufficient for at least three days, including the basics of water (one gallon per person per day) and food, clothing, personal hygiene items, and medications. Store your household kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container you can easily move. A large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels is a good choice. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes, so keep some additional supplies in your car or at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.

A key component of your household disaster kit is a go-bag—a backpack or duffle bag that is easy to carry in case you must evacuate quickly. Make sure it has an ID tag. You may want to consider a go-bag for each family member, as well as one for pets.

For more ideas, go online to www.oregon.gov/omd/oem/docs/library/be_aware_n_prepare.pdf.

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Go-bags: Are you ready to go?

Experts say a well-stocked go-bag should include the following:

• Emergency planner with vital contact information, including one designated out-of-state contact; your family’s evacuation plan with designated meeting locations and maps; photos of family members and pets; lists of all food or drug allergies and medications; and copies of health insurance and ID cards for each family member.
• Flashlight.
• Radio (hand-cranked or battery- operated).
• Batteries.
• First aid kit—fully stocked.
• Bottled water.
• Nonperishable food.
• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls.
• Medications.
• Personal hygiene kit.
• Extra keys.
• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes and a warm hat.
• Child care items—formula, diapers, bottles, etc.
• Whistle.
• Blanket.
• Rain gear.
• Pocket or utility knife.
• For pets, a leash or carrier, food, water, and medications.