To the editor:
This week’s weather served as a stark reminder of the imperative need for readiness in the face of unforeseen challenges along our coast. Prolonged power outages, impassable roads to the Willamette Valley, and the havoc wreaked by downed trees and power lines underscore the difficulties inherent of living in a somewhat remote area.
While the impact of this storm may seem substantial, it pales in comparison to the potential devastation of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and subsequent tsunami. In such a scenario, we won’t be dealing with mere hours or days of power and communication outages — it could extend to weeks, if not months. Transportation would be severely hindered, rendering roads impassable due to debris and damage. Grocery stores would go unstocked, and fuel inaccessible. Moreover, homes may become uninhabitable.
Although we all wish this cataclysmic scenario remains dormant in our lifetimes, the truth is that it could occur at any moment. This dormant giant may awaken unexpectedly, presenting us with challenges far more severe than those we faced this week. The question looms: Are you prepared?
The recent outage should prompt thinking about the contents of your emergency bag and what additional provisions may be necessary if conditions worsen or if power remains elusive for an extended period. Consider these vital questions:
- Do you have a surplus of essential medications?
- Is there enough food and water to sustain you for several weeks?
- Have you considered means of cooking, staying warm, and keeping dry?
- How will you communicate with loved ones or emergency personnel if traditional channels are unavailable?
Beyond individual preparedness, let’s rekindle a dialogue about the kind and number of emergency supply caches required to support our community during a more significant disaster. These caches should be solar-powered, stocked with water, food, shelter, and other necessities, and equipped with satellite communication to provide authorities with crucial updates on our situation.
Now is the time to fortify our collective resilience against the unpredictable forces that may lie ahead.
- MaryBeth Selby/Yachats
