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One hour a month. Two weeks ready in a year.

Getting ready doesn't have to happen all at once. Each month we pick one task that fits the season here, from windstorm prep in November to smoke-ready rooms in July. Start with this month. You don't have to go in order.

The 12 tasks

October: Drop, Cover, Hold On + a bedside bag Practice in every room. Put shoes, gloves, a flashlight, a whistle, and spare glasses by each bed. North End tip: shoreline homes, walk to high ground after strong shaking.
November: Utilities & generators Find and label the gas or propane, water, and electric shutoffs. Hang a wrench by the meter. North End tip: generators outdoors only, 20+ feet from windows.
December: Fire safety Test alarms, plan two ways out of every room, and learn to use your extinguisher. North End tip: check wood stoves and chimneys; get an NKFR reflective address sign.
January: Two weeks at home Inventory what you have and list what's missing. North End tip: plan for a week-long outage and a Hansville Road closure.
February: Communications plan Pick an out-of-area contact and make wallet cards. North End tip: ferry commuters, who checks the house if you're stranded?
March: Home hazard hunt Strap the water heater, anchor tall furniture, latch cabinets. North End tip: check bluff drainage and walk your tsunami route.
April: Important papers Copy, scan, and store documents. Photograph valuables. North End tip: review earthquake and landslide coverage with your agent.
May: Wildfire ready Clear 5 feet around the house. Clean gutters and roof. North End tip: Firewise; Ready, Set, Go!
June: Water 1 gallon per person per day, for 14 days. North End tip: well owners, plan storage and a no-power plan.
July: Clean-air room Pick and seal a room. Build a box-fan filter. North End tip: for smoke and heat days.
August: Go-bags & car kit A bag per person, plus car, work, and pet kits. North End tip: car kit for road closures and ferry lines.
September: Family plan + your block Hold a family meeting. Meet your Block Captain, or become one. National Preparedness Month.

Want the state's version? Washington Emergency Management offers a free Prepare in a Year guide. Our plan is based on it, written in our own words for the North End.

Get each month's task by email

Join your block and you'll get a short note with each month's hour, plus your Block Captain's introduction.

Join your block