Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget Your Go Bag!
As we swap out our snow boots for rain jackets and the first buds of spring emerge, Tigard’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) wants to remind you that emergency preparedness should be part of your seasonal routine, making Spring a perfect time to refresh your go-bag!
A “go-bag,” or emergency kit, contains essential items like food, water, medications, flashlights, and important documents—enough to sustain an individual or family for at least 72 hours during an emergency evacuation. Emergency supplies should cover at least two weeks for those sheltering at home, especially considering Oregon’s history of storms, wind damage, and wildfire smoke.
Update Your Kit for Spring Conditions:
- Swap out winter gear: Replace heavy clothing with lighter layers, add rain protection, sunscreen, and hats.
- Check food and water: Replace anything nearing expiration. Don’t forget pet food and baby items if needed.
- Update medications and documents: Refresh expired items and review medical info, insurance papers, and emergency contact lists. Add allergy medication and eye drops for spring pollen if needed!
- Test electronics: Make sure flashlights, radios, and chargers work. Replace batteries, keep spares, or add solar-powered options.
Disasters don’t wait for perfect weather, being ready means being able to care for yourself and others, no matter the season. You can find preparedness checklists and information at Ready.gov/kit or by joining our local CERT program!
Tigard CERT Inc. is a local non-profit organization allied with the City of Tigard that trains volunteers in basic emergency response and organizational skills following the Federal Emergency Management Agency model and guidelines for local Community Emergency Response Teams. For more information about Tigard CERT, please visit www.tigard-or.gov/your-government/departments/public-works/emergency-management.
