Why prepare your family for an emergency? Beyond the 'doom and gloom'

SEATTLE -- Western Washington has been buzzing about a New Yorker article highlighting the possibility of a dramatic earthquake. Although the article may have brought a cloud of doom and gloom, Seattle’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Matt Auflick, says the possibility of an earthquake is real and preparing your home is a great place to start.

In a walk through of our producer’s home, Auflick pointed out furniture, light fixtures and even frames on the wall that could be moved or secured.

“I notice you have some very large book shelves here, another piece of furniture over there that is pretty large, so one of the simple things that you can do to be safer in earthquakes is to make sure that large furniture like this is secured to the wall.”

Beyond the furniture, Auflick says your home is probably already prepared for most emergencies. He says it is a matter of gathering stuff together and having it in one place.

“A lot of these things you already have in your house. Food, water, first aid, but also you’re going to want things you enjoy, like a book or games for the kids.”

He says this is a great place to start when creating a “to go” emergency kit. Then he recommends trying to have seven to ten days of food and water storage for you, your children and your pets.

“If you’re thinking about how much water you need for seven to ten days, how much food you need, well, you’re pets also going to need food and water, so you’re going to need to think about that.”

Auflick says, at the end of the day, emergency prep is more than having “stuff” together, it’s about having a plan in place. An emergency isn’t just a major disaster, it can be a house fire, a flood, even someone losing their job. Auflick recommends discussing the possibility of an emergency with your family. Memorize contact information or write it down. Decide where you would meet if something happens and who you would reach out of state. He says, this is what will give your family confidence and feel calm in the face of any emergency.

"You don't need to focus on the big earthquake, there could be any type of emergency, you could have a fire, you could have a large storm, and so I think the message is that the reason to do this planning, is so when this does happen, putting these things in to place is second nature."

For more information on what you can do, check out Seattle's Emergency Management site.

Cities like Auburn are putting extra emphasis on fire preparedness, learn more about their tips on their Emergency Prep site.