WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Summer can mean time off for vacations or travel. Whether you’re headed to the beach for a week or taking the family on a road trip to visit relatives, you’ve spent some time planning. You’ve packed the appropriate beachwear and paperbacks, stocked up on car snacks, and booked your accommodations.

It took a little while, and some money, but now you can relax knowing you’re ready to go.

The preparedness that gave you peace of mind to set off on vacation can do the same if you’re trapped at home due to a major disaster. The good news is it doesn’t take much to become prepared. Even to be on your own for two weeks, which could be how long it can take responders to reach you following a disaster.

To get started, here’s what you need to consider:

  • Food
    • Non-perishable, easy-to-open
    • Canned meats, fruits, vegetable
    • High energy snacks – peanut butter, trail mix, granola bars
    • Comfort treats – hard candy, cookies, fruit chews
    • Water (gallon/person/day for drinking
  • Shelter
    • Tent, tarp
    • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Sanitation
    • Portable camp toilet or bucket
    • Bleach and liquid soap
    • Garbage bags
  • Clothing
    • Extra layers and underwear
    • Boots or sturdy shoes, waterproof jacket
    • Hat and gloves
  • Stay (or Go) Kit checklist starter
    • Radio, cell phone, charger
    • Medications, eye glasses, sanitary supplies
    • First Aid supplies
    • Paper products (including toilet paper, plates, cups)
    • Duct tape, roll of plastic
    • Pet supplies
  • Important documents
    • Driver’s license, government ID
    • Copies of insurance policies
    • Bank account information
    • Family records, inventory of valuables

Your household needs may differ from your neighbor’s – depending on children, pets, and medical conditions, for instance – but the basics still apply.

The good news is that once you prepare your “Two Weeks Ready” kit, the hard work is done. It’s just maintenance after that. And the planning is well worth it, whether it’s for your next vacation or security at home.

Amy Cloud is the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management.  She was born and raised locally, leaving for Whitman College and work in Seattle, Knoxville and Washington, D.C. She returned to work as Supervising News Producer and reporter for KVOS-TV’s NewsView before switching to communications for WWU, PeaceHealth and the City of Bellingham. She also co-chairs the Community PIO Group and is a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues.