Being Ready for an Emergency
In light of the current wildfires spreading across Oregon, which have already forced many patients and staff of Oregon Pediatrics to evacuate their homes, we would like to remind all of our patients to be prepared ahead of time for the possibility that you may need to evacuate your homes as the fires spread. This information is most relevant for our patients who live in Clackamas and Marion county, but it is good practice for every family to practice good disaster preparedness. Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind.
1. Have a plan
Sit down with your entire family and have a discussion about what you will do in case of an emergency. Make sure you talk about when you will leave, where you will go, what you will take with you, and how you will stay in touch if you get separated, or are forced to evacuate from separate locations. Be sure to keep your phones charged, and plan to text family members instead of calling, as this uses less battery and will be more reliable if the network becomes clogged with calls. For more information on making an emergency plan, here is some information from the Red Cross.
2. Prepare your Emergency Bag
You should always be prepared with an Emergency Survival Kit in case of a disaster, but now is a particularly important time to make sure that your survival kit is ready in case you need to evacuate your home. An Evacuation Kit should include, among other things, non-perishable food and water (1 gallon of water per day per person) for 3 days, at least a 7 day supply of any medications that any family members take, a basic first aid kit, batteries and chargers for your electronics, warm and waterproof layers of clothing, and any personal documents you may need, like passports, proof of insurance, medical conditions and medication lists, and your deed or lease for your home. Here is a list from the Red Cross with a more detailed list of necessities in an evacuation kit.
3. Stay Informed
The wildfires are spreading rapidly, so the situation is also changing rapidly. Stay updated by checking the Evacuation Zone Map regularly. As of Wednesday evening, 9/9, our Happy Valley, Clackamas, and Oregon City clinic locations and the surrounding areas are designated as Evacuation Level 1: BE READY for potential evacuation. Sign up for local updates through PublicAlerts, where you can also learn more ways to stay updated.
4. Take a video tour of your home
This is a good idea in case the worst happens and your home is damaged due to the fire. A video tour of your home may help with insurance claims later.
Please share this information with your friends, family, and neighbors, and encourage everyone to take steps now to make sure they're prepared later!