Get Two-Weeks Ready

Are you ready for an earthquake, ice storm or flood?  Like it or not, these natural hazards could hit Lane County at any time.   We recommend that every Lane County resident and family be two-weeks ready in case of a catastrophic natural disaster, such as the impending Cascadia earthquake. 

To help you gather a robust emergency kit, we have created a 12-week checklist that breaks down the components of an emergency kit and helps you stock up one piece at a time. Personalize the items on the checklist to your family's special needs, appetite and preferences.

Download a printable PDF of the 12-week checklist.



Week 1: Grocery Store

Things to purchase or collect:

  • 3 gallons of water per person
  • 2 large jars of peanut butter per person
  • 2 large cans of juice per person
  • 4 cans of protein (e.g. meat or beans) per person
  • Hand-operated can opener
  • Diapers, baby food, and bottles, if applicable

Things to do:

  • Decide where to store your emergency supply kit and organize/clean any spaces or containers.


Week 2: Hardware & Supplies

Things to purchase or collect:

  • Hammer, screwdriver, wrench and crowbar
  • Rope, duct tape, plumber's tape, cords
  • 2 crank or battery-powered flashlights


Things to do:

  • Check your home for hazards; secure loose and heavy objects (e.g. TVs, shelves) or anything that may tip over during an earthquake.
  • Locate gas and water shutoffs and your electrical panel. Make sure you know how to shut off all utilities, attach any necessary tools.



Week 3: Grocery Store

Things to purchase or collect:

  • 3 gallons of water per person
  • 4 large cans of vegetables per person
  • 4 cans of protein (e.g. meat or beans) per person
  • Personal hygiene products


Things to do:

  • Make a family emergency plan that includes how you will communicate, where you will met, and who your emergency contacts are (preferably family or friends who live outside your area). 



Week 4: Grocery Store

Things to purchase or collect:

  • 3 gallons of water per person
  • 2 cans of fruit per person
  • 4 cans of vegetables per person
  • 4 cans of protein (e.g. meat or beans) per person
  • 6 rolls of toilet paper
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and/or denture care
  • Any specialty foods (diabetic, etc.)

Things to do:
  • Record or photograph the contents of your home for insurance purposes. Store it in the cloud or send copies  to a family member or friend out of state.

Week 5: First Aid

Things to purchase or collect:

  • Aspirin or acetaminophen
  • Hot and cold compresses
  • Bandages, gauze and first-aid tape
  • Hand and dish soap, hand sanitizer, etc.


Things to do:

  • Check with your child's school about their emergency and disaster plans, including parent-child reunification. 



Week 6: Grocery Store

Things to purchase or collect:

  • 4 gallons of water per person
  • 6 cans of ready-to-eat soup per person
  • 2 cans of fruit per person
  • 2 cans of vegetables per person


Things to do:

  • Have a home fire drill.
  • Take family pictures to put in your emergency kit.



Week 7: First Aid

Things to purchase or collect:

  • Scissors, tweezers, sewing kit
  • Thermometer
  • Medical device batteries (e.g. hearing aids)
  • Additional supply of medications, including prescriptions (1-3 months)

Things to do:
  • Put shoes and a flashlight under your bed so they are on-hand during an emergency.


Week 8: Hardware & Supplies

Things to purchase or collect:

  • Water purification (e.g. tablets, filters, bleach)
  • Heavy-duty garbage bags
  • Waterproof container for vital documents
  • Portable radio with batteries

Things to do:
  • As applicable, store a spare set of glasses or contacts and saline solution; make a copy of any prescriptions.


Week 9: Grocery Store

Things to purchase or collect:

  • 3 large cans of juice per person
  • 4 boxes of energy bars/snacks
  • Plastic food bags and aluminum foil
  • 3 rolls of paper towels
  • Paper plates, cups and utensils

Things to do:
  • Back up or copy important computer files, photographs, documents, etc. Store them in the cloud or send a copy to a family member or friend out of state. 


Week 10: First Aid

Things to purchase or collect:

  • Diarrhea medicine, allergy medications
  • Vitamins
  • Latex gloves
  • Rubbing alcohol

Things to do:
  • Speak to neighbors to find out who may need help during an emergency, such as the elderly or disabled. 
  • Discuss who can help your children if an emergency occurs when you are not home.
  • Include extra clothes in your emergency kit.


Week 11: Hardware & Supplies

Things to purchase or collect:

  • Fire extinguisher
  • Pliers and work gloves
  • Extra batteries for flashlights and radio
  • Extra nails and screws
  • Emergency blankets, rain protection

Things to do:
  • Include cash in the kit as you are able (avoid large bills).


Week 12: Grocery Store

Things to purchase or collect:

  • Dry cereal and crackers
  • Quick snacks (e.g. raisins)
  • Assorted plastic storage containers with lids
  • Instant coffee, tea, drinks, etc.

Things to do:
  • Have an earthquake or severe weather drill at home.


Pets

If you have pets, remember that pets will need food and water during an emergency, too.

Be sure to store a few gallons of water for your cat or dog. Also, be sure to have a pet carrier or leash available in case you need to leave your home.

Children

Children are particularly vulnerable during an emergency, so make sure you have plenty of supplies to keep them comfortable. 

Your kit should include their favorite snacks and some games or other activities to help keep them calm and happy.