WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – In the wake of horrific tragedy, like the 4th of July flooding in Texas that claimed more than 100 lives including dozens of children, we rightfully focus on how we can help. It’s human nature.

We hate to be helpless; we want to know how to prevent similar sorrow.

Some disasters are unknowable, unpredictable, unforeseeable. Preparedness never is. While we may not know the exact moment an earthquake will change everything, we are in control of whether we’re ready when that happens.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Learn your local hazards, including those most likely where you are. They could vary, depending on if you’re at home, at school, or at work. Whatcom County’s online Natural Hazards Explorer lets you enter each location to determine hazard risks there.
  2. Sign up for Alerts and Warnings. For Whatcom County, that means AlertSense which requires opt-in by those with cell phones.
  3. Bookmark trusted sources of information, including the Whatcom Ready website and Facebook page. Remember that the “first to report” may not be the most accurate. True news media take the time to source their reports and verify details before reporting them as fact.
  4. Build a Go!Bag, with life essentials for you and those you’re responsible for, including children and pets. It’s a good idea to have one Go!Bag that’s already in your vehicle, as well as one ready to go at home.

Completing each of those tasks makes you less helpless and moves you closer to preparedness for disaster. That’s important for your loved ones, too. If children know who to call when something awful happens and have a backpack with comfort items as well as essentials, it can build resilience. It’s also useful to get to know your neighbors; in case a disaster strands your block, you’ll know who needs help – and who can help.

Follow your heart. If you feel called to donate to Texas rescue and recovery, please do. You can reach out to those who have suffered indescribable loss to let them know you care. Hold your own loved ones close – and help them prepare.

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.