Basic-Better-Best- King County

Basic-Better-Best

Start with the first level of preparedness, and then enhance your readiness by adding components from the higher levels!

Preparedness is a way of life - a habit that should be practiced so often, it becomes second nature. How do you know if you're prepared? What are you preparing for? We can help you find out in just three steps!

Assess your risk: Understand how your surroundings and family situation shape your preparedness needs - use the list below to help determine your risk level in case of emergencies and disasters and what you can do to take care of yourself, your family, and your friends and neighbors.
What level of preparedness do you want to be at? Follow the "Basic - Better - Best" model to find out how to build on your preparedness skills and resources. Start with your basic needs and then over the next few weeks or months move toward the best category of preparedness. Remember, anything you do to start to prepare, even if it's a little thing, is a step. Not only will you and your family benefit from your steps to prepare, but your neighbors, friends, and community will also benefit!
Take action to become prepared for emergencies and disasters! During an disaster, emergency responders may not be able to get to you right away. Learn what you can do on your own until help arrives, and how you can help others.

Get disaster supplies from the American Red Cross or build your own kits

Get trained in CPR and First Aid

Get Involved in Citizen Corps

Step 1: Assess Your Risk

Location of Your Home, Business or Schools

Live on an island or remote area - in the event of a disaster, aid will go first to high-density areas, which are typically not island communities. Infrastructure may also need to be rebuilt to achieve access to an island community, so area island residents should consider preparing for a minimum of seven (7) days in assessing their survival needs.

Live near railroad tracks or the freeway where hazardous materials are routinely transported.

Live near a chemical plant where hazardous materials releases can occur.

Live in a flood plain where flooding hazards can exist.

Live in a liquefaction area that will be impacted during an earthquake.

Live on a steep hillside where landslides can occur.

Live on shoreline property that can be impacted by a tsunami/seiche.

Live on or near a river, creek lowland drainage areas where flooding can happen.

Live in a wooded area where wildland or wildland interface fires are a potential.

Live in an area subject to high winds and power outages.

Home is not easily visible from the road.

Live in an area where access can be limited or blocked to hazards such as flooding, high winds, downed power lines, snow, etc.

Live in Renton-Kent-Auburn valley areas that can be impacted by a volcanic eruption.

Your Workplace and Commute

Work in a high-rise building - learn about workplace preparedness.

Work in an area with bridges that can be impacted by earthquakes.

Your commute is outside of walking distance from your home - arrange a meeting place with your family.

Exercise safe cell phone usage while on the road - AAA Washington Guide to Cell Phones and Driving and calling 9-1-1 during emergencies.

Have an emergency car kit in your vehicle.

Driving across mountain passes - watch for avalanche hazards.

Driving during or after severe storms - watch for flooding hazards on the road.

Your Home and Family

If you have a cedar shake roof be aware of fire dangers.

Fire extinguisher in the home - get a fire extinguisher and know when and how to use it.

Smoke detectors/fire alarm system in the home - are you ready for a fire?

Live alone or are dependent on others - get to know your neighbors! Consider getting involved with Citizen Corps, your local Neighborhood Watch, or other preparedness volunteer programs.

Knowing where utility shut-offs are in your home - learn when and how to turn off utilities.

Have children? Learn about preparedness resources for kids.

Have pets? Learn about pet preparedness and animal safety.

If you have a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) broadband phone there's important information you need to know about compatibility with enhanced 9-1-1.

Own or rent a home - learn what financial preparations you need to make in case there is a disaster.

Live in a multi-story home or apartment - learn what to do if there's a fire in your building.

Learn what to do if you or a family member has special needs.

Both parents work outside of the home and not within walking distance - plan on a meeting place.

Special medical equipment or supplies - make sure you have them set aside specifically for a disaster.

Alternate power sources - consider a home generator. Be familiar with important safety guidelines.

The more risk areas you have the more prepared you need to be!

Step 2: Choose Your Level of Preparedness

Basic, Better or Best? What level are you currently at and what level do you want aim for? Follow the color codes - Red, Amber, and Green to move from a Basic level of preparedness, to a Better level, and to the Best!

        Basic Level of Preparedness
        Better Level of Preparedness
        Best Level of Preparedness

Identify hazards and escape routes...

	Identify the hazards in your area and know the basic protective measures for each one. For example: If you live along a river with a dam upstream, you know that there would be a significant hazard if the dam breaks.
	Identify a route to get from your house to higher ground where you know you'll be safe.
	Practice evacuating by timing yourself to see how long it would take to gather yourself/family together to get to higher ground (during a flood as an example), identifying if there are obstacles during specific times of the day that would slow you down, and devise alternate plans if so.
	Create a simulated event for each hazard in your area and practice your reaction for each.

Make a plan at home...

	Talk about preparedness with family or the people you live with.
	Make a plan for each hazard and practice it with your family. Start developing an evacuation plan for your home. Agree on a meeting place for your family to congregate outside of the home if family members are separated and can't return home due to an evacuation.
	Rewrite the plan if it doesn't suit your needs or your needs change. Have an evacuation plan for your home. Practice meeting up at your pre-designated "meeting place."
	Practice plan quarterly.

Identify an out-of-area contact...

	Have an out-of-area contact that all family members know and have memorized.
	Practice calling the out-of-area contact.

Safeguard your home...

	Start a "home hazard hunt" to identify whether your household goods could put your safety at risk in an emergency, or may become damaged in an emergency. Put heavy items low - on the floor or on lower shelves. Secure appliances and water heater with straps.
	Secure bookcases with straps. Secure framed pictures to the walls. Secure televisions and computers with straps.
	Secure valuable/sentimental breakable items to shelves with putty. Install cabinet latches for doors that swing open.

Build a basic three-day disaster supply kit...

	Create a basic three-day disaster supply kit that is accessible to you 90% of the time. Consider having one at home - both inside and outside of the house, as well as in all vehicles and at work and school. A basic kit should be contained in a way that makes it easy to "grab and go." Use a duffel bag or backpack for example, and include: One gallon of water per person per day Enough food per person for three days A flashlight and batteries
	Extra set of clothes and sturdy shoes per person Battery-operated radio and extra batteries Blankets or sleeping bags for each family member First aid kit Whistle Three-day supply of needed prescription medications, including eyeglasses for each family member Extra supplies for special needs family members, like infants (diapers, etc.), and older adults (hearing aid, cane, etc.) Items for entertainment: deck of cards, books, etc.
	Car chains Dust mask Shovel Traction material in winter Tow rope Road maps

Take care of your pets and other supply kits...

	Take into account pets when putting together your home kit. Include the following items for your pet: A three-day supply of food, water, and treats Necessary medication Extra leash and identification Play toy Pet Carrier Copy of medical records
	Put together a better-equipped car kit, including: Water Non-perishable food Flashlight and batteries Brightly-colored cloth to tie to the antenna Extra clothing Tool kit Windshield scraper/brush
	Have a comprehensive kit at work and school: Supply of water Supply of food Flashlight with batteries or 12-hour light sticks Supply of prescription medication Extra clothes Entertainment item: deck of cards, crossword puzzle/word searches, books, etc. First Aid Kit

Maintain your disaster supply kits...

	Check supplies in kits every six (6) months and replace as necessary. Change food and water supplies every six (6) months.
	Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.

Plan for sheltering-in-place...

	Know how to shelter-in-place.
	Designate and equip a shelter-in-place room Include shelter-in-place supplies in disaster kit: Pre-cut plastic for windows and vents Duct tape Towels to put under door

Other important things you can do...

	Maintain at least 1/4 tank of gas in all vehicles at all times.
	Keep a modest amount of cash on hand for emergencies - in case of power outages for example, as merchants may only be able to perform cash-only transactions.
	Train in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid.
	Inquire about workplace preparedness plan.
	Know your workplace preparedness plan.
	Identify whether your neighborhood has a Block Watch program and find out how to get involved.
	Get involved in your Block Watch program. Get involved in your community's Citizen Corps. Take Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
	Know how to turn off utilities: Natural gas or propane Water Electricity
	Know your school's preparedness plan.
	Know your community's preparedness plan.

More Information and Resources

Preparing for a disaster.
Putting together your disaster supplies kit.
Getting involved with Citizen Corps.
Learning Basic lifesaving skills - CPR and First Aid training.
Skills to help your community during a disaster - Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).
Knowing about your local Disaster Response Plan or who your Local Emergency Manager is: King County, Seattle, and other agencies.
Talking about preparedness and disaster planning with your family or people you live with.
Getting important emergency information using a Tone Alert All-Hazard Radio.
How to shelter-in-place and what supplies are needed.
Proper usage of 9-1-1 during emergencies and disasters.