Whether due to a local emergency or regional disaster, we are likely to find ourselves, at some time, having to survive on our own, and possibly under dangerous conditions.  The What to do to Make it Through campaign site will help you plan. 

Following are some basic guidelines to prepare for and survive disasters in general, followed by guidelines that pertain to specific types of disasters    

BEFORE DISASTERS

• Make a plan, including two ways out of every room and a meeting place for family members outside.  Practice the plan regularly.
• Stock at least several days of emergency supplies at home and work; in vehicles; anywhere you regularly spend time.  Update 2 times/year. See Washington Emergency Resource Guide for supplies lists.
• Equip your home with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and fire escape ladders.  Test them regularly.
• Establish an out-of-area emergency contact and share the information with your loved ones.  When the worst of the incident is over, let your contact know, briefly, how you’re doing.  Loved ones should contact this person for the information, leaving local lines free for emergencies. 
• Maintain your ability to send and receive information wherever you are, with a battery operated or wind-up radio, a cell phone and a weather radio.  Become a ham radio operator.
• Prepare for power outages by knowing where your utility shut-offs are and learning how to use them, keeping wind-up or battery operated flashlights (with extra batteries) in your emergency supply kits, and if possible, have a generator professionally installed outside your home.
• Get First Aid and CPR training.  A basic CPR class is available through Kirkland Parks and Community Services Department.  Resources for both courses include American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Lake Washington Institute of Technologyand Evergreen Medical Center.  Take CERT training with Kirkland Fire Department.
• Join organizations that address disaster preparedness issues, such as  Greater Kirkland Citizen Corps Council, Amateur Radio Emergency Services, Kirkland Neighborhood Associations.   
• Update your insurance, as possible, for disaster coverage.
• Post emergency numbers by phones/e-addresses by computers.

DURING DISASTERS

• Stay calm.  Breathe deeply to relax.
• Stay put in the safest location where you are.
• Listen to radio news broadcasts for the latest conditions.
• Communicate calmly and positively with children.

AFTER DISASTERS

• Assess your own condition and your surroundings before moving.
• Proceed with extreme caution to any other location.
• Listen to radio news broadcasts regarding local conditions and the availability of shelters and other assistance.
• Call the City’s disaster information line (425-587-3767) occasionally for recorded updates regarding the Kirkland area.  
• If possible, let your out-of-area contact (briefly) know how you’re doing. 
• Call the City Emergency Hotline (425-587-5750) to report serious conditions in your area.  THIS NUMBER WILL ONLY BE ACTIVATED WHEN THE CITY’S EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER (EOC) IS ACTIVATED. 
• Call 9-1-1 strictly for true emergencies. 
• Stay off roads unless absolutely necessary to get somewhere.

For additional tips that pertain primarily to specific types of disasters, including: earthquakes, winter storms, floods and mud slides, communicable diseases, and various forms of terrorism.  For more comprehensive information, see the comprehensive, yet easy-to-read Emergency Resource Guide, complete with preparation checklists.