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Planning and Preparing

As a community we are asked, by disaster planners in the city and State, to be prepared to fend for ourselves for at least two weeks after a major disaster. It is critical that each household prepares ahead of time by providing for their own water, food, sanitation, emergency contacts, etc. We can only prepare until an event. Then, we'll pull together to help each other. Until relief efforts reach us we must be able to take care of ourselves and each other, and our planning and preparation efforts give us a head start.

Food

Collect and store a two-week supply of non-perishable food. Canned and dried food should be rotated on a regular basis, while freeze-dried food has a shelf life of over twenty years. Our Resources page has more information about food storage.

Water

Each household needs to store at least 15 gallons of potable water per person. Until EWEB is able to set up its emergency water stations, we will have to draw on our own supplies and resources. 

Finances

We recommend the Emergency Financial First-Aid Kit (EFFAK) as a tool for identifying, organizing, and storing the financial documents you will need to access FEMA assistance and to file insurance claims. 

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See the Resources page for more EFFAK details.

Contacts and Communication Plan

Communications networks, such as mobile phones and computers are likely to be unreliable during a disaster. Planning in advance will help ensure that all members of your household - including children and people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, as well as outside caregivers - know how to reach each other and where to meet up in an emergency.

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Family Emergency Communication Plan A 3 step guide for preparing a disaster communications plan developed by FEMA and ready.gov.

Sanitation

"In response to disasters and emergencies, prevention of open defecation and waste containment are critical to reduce the spread of disease.”  - CDC

 

What should we do if our toilets no longer work?

In an emergency, waste management is best done by each household. One of the easiest methods is a 5-gallon bucket with a closable toilet-seat lid, and lined with a plastic bag. That should be used for solid waste only (as far as possible). Urine can be distributed around one’s property to avoid “burning” sensitive plants. 


Information about sanitation supplies can be found on the Resources page.

Go Bag

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Put your entire kit in an easy-to-carry container, such as a duffel bag, or backpack.

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For a checklist of what the Red Cross suggests to include in a Go Bag click here. 

 

Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

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Individuals and Households

The more of us that make the effort to prepare to be self-sufficient for two weeks, the better prepared we will be to help our neighbors in need. In addition, making individual and community preparations and plans before a disaster strikes has been shown to significantly help cope with its emotional impact.

Neighborhood

As a neighborhood we are preparing to meet our post-disaster immediate and short term medical needs, and to ensure that we are all safe and cared for.

Building Neighborhood Resiliency

One part of the foundation for successfully navigating a disaster such as a major earthquake lies in creating a resilient neighborhood beforehand. Getting to know our neighbors and building community is a key element of our planning and preparing efforts. Here are some ideas for building community.

Medical Response Plan

Our detailed Action Plan can viewed here. It outlines the actions we will take when we assemble at Rebecca's carport, including:

  • Damage and risk assessment

  • Triage

  • Search & Rescue + Medical 

  • Care Center

Meeting Short Term (2 week) Needs

Individuals and small groups are working on:

  • Sanitation 

  • Collective kitchen and food facility

  • Water sources

  • Pet support

  • Damage mitigation

  • Communication

Individuals and small groups are working on:

  • Sanitation 

  • Collective kitchen and food facility

  • Water sources

  • Pet support

  • Damage mitigation

  • Communication

Water Supply

The city is building water supply stations that can provide well water to residents when the water system shuts down. See their plans here.

Disaster Relief Plans

The city's response to a disaster such as an earthquake is part of its general emergency response planning and includes all phases of emergency management through prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery activities.

 

The Eugene-Springfield Multi-Jurisdictional Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) provides the structure and mechanism to respond to and recover from significant disasters or emergencies. 

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The State of Oregon produced 'The Oregon Resilience Plan' to address the expected impact of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

Federal Relief Coordination

The city will coordinate with county and state agencies to provide relief and recovery efforts and resources after a disaster.

City of Eugene

The city is responsible for the 'big picture' of disaster planning. They will coordinate with state and federal relief efforts to bring in aid to the area, to deal with community-wide issues such as water supply and fire suppression, and to repair infrastructure.

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