Preparing for the worst in Sisters Country

Sisters Country is a bit off the beaten path. We like it that way. But that doesn't mean we're always out of harm's way - in fact, our relative isolation can make us more vulnerable.

When natural or man-made disaster strikes, all the conveniences we take for granted, from electricity to easy access to food and water, can be disrupted. Emergency responders will be stressed and unable to reach everyone in

need.

A group of Sisters Country citizens have rallied local businesses and agencies to help their neighbors be better prepared through the Sisters Country: Prepared & Ready preparedness fair at Sisters Village Green on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors to the fair can learn about preparedness and get a jump start on emergency kits and plans.

What does emergency preparedness look like?

Make a plan:

Talk to your family and your neighbors about what to do in an emergency. Plan how to locate and communicate with each other, and figure out in advance how you will respond to a variety of Sisters Country scenarios. Write it out for everyone and practice it once in a while.

Build a kit:

Put together a three-day (minimum) emergency kit, including food, water, warm clothing and blankets, first-aid kit, a battery-operated or crank-up radio, non-electric light source, plastic sheeting and duct tape for setting up temporary shelter. Include any vital medications. Stash some cash - your credit cards won't work when the power is down.

Make sure your kit also includes anything you require to keep your pets safe and secure.

Local merchants are prepared to help folks in the Sisters Country put together their supplies.

Get trained:

Learn First Aid/CPR. Information on classes will be available at the fair.

Prepare to shelter in place:

"The concept 'shelter in place' is just that," explains Sisters Country: Prepared & Ready member Jack McGowan. "Having the necessary supplies that in the event of an emergency affecting Sisters Country, we will be able to be self contained for a period of time until help arrives."

In many cases, hunkering down at home is the best and safest way to ride out a crisis. Be sure you know how to shut off your utilities. Store enough food and water to last at least three days.

Invest in an alternative source of heat, such as a wood stove. Get a good multi-fuel camp stove so you can cook food. Consider getting a portable generator.

"At some point in the future, Sisters Country will experience an emergency; earthquake, wildfire, volcanic eruption, snow storm, shortage of supplies. The impact on our emergency service providers will be huge. It's our responsibility now to get prepared so that we now only help ourselves and our families, but that in doing so, we will also help take the load off these responders," McGowan said.