In a small coastal community, pre-planning for emergencies is crucial for ensuring the safety and resilience of residents. Coastal areas are uniquely vulnerable to a range of potential disasters, from severe weather events like severe winter storms and floods to environmental hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Effective pre-planning involves anticipating these risks, developing comprehensive response strategies, and educating the community on best practices. By preparing in advance, a coastal community can enhance its ability to respond swiftly and effectively, minimizing damage and protecting lives and property. Strategic planning also helps to streamline resources, coordinate efforts among local agencies, and build a stronger, more resilient community ready to face the unexpected.
Preparation of GoBag
Every permanent and part-time resident of Cape Meares should have an Emergency Supply Kit that hereafter will be referred to as a “GoBag.” There should be one for a residence plus a primary transportation vehicle. It should contain critical items that will help someone survive in case there is a need to move to a safe location to escape danger. Further, It should contain items that will enable one to sustain life for up to 72 hours. Click on the following link for information related to suggested items for a GoBag: Emergency GoBag Suggestions.
Task Number 1 for any new resident of Cape Meares should be the preparation of a personal GoBag.
“The Plan”
Information has been collected from a variety of sources to help residents prepare and plan for safety and survival should a disaster be encountered. Residents should familiarize themselves with this section of the website and make use of this planning information.
In a disaster, first responders will be so overwhelmed that each resident will need to be prepared to save self and family. Most all disasters faced by residents are survivable, if a carefully considered plan is in place for responding.
As part of preparation, tailoring plans and supplies to specific daily living needs and responsibilities should be prioritized. Most all individuals have both specific personal needs as well as resources to assist others. Working together with all household members is important as well as with others who may have special needs.
As part of tailoring plans, working with others to create networks of neighbors, relatives, and friends who will assist each other in an emergency should be considered. This includes discussing needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Creating a personal network for specific areas where assistance may be needed is highly recommended.
Once this important information has been collected, family members should be gathered together and information to put in the plan should be discussed. Talk with neighbors about how everyone can work together in the event of an emergency is recommended. Survivors will be better prepared to safely reunite family and loved ones during an emergency if pre-plans are made and communicate with others in advance. Practice the plan at least twice a year and update it according to any issues that arise is recommended.
A series of Emergency Links have been created of sites that may prove to be sources of critical information both during and after a disaster. Becoming familiar with these resources is important and having an emergency radio available and handy should you need to evacuate your home is very important.
Cape Meares has taken steps in recent years to prepare for various kinds of disasters that may be faced in the future. One of the highly successful programs was called Map Your Neighborhood. Our community has been sub-divided into six neighborhoods and meetings have been held to discuss how neighbors might help each other in the event of an emergency.
Below are reasons for planning ahead:
“Prepare today to protect tomorrow.”
“Plan ahead, stay ahead.”
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
“Ready now means safe later.”
“Preparation is the key to survival.”
“Plan for the worst, hope for the best.”
“Safety starts with smart planning.”
“Be proactive, not reactive.”
“Well-planned is well-protected.”
“Expect the unexpected—plan for it.”