WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Remember where you were in June 1999 when the pipeline exploded?

It sent a fireball down Whatcom Creek in Bellingham, killing two young boys and a recent high school graduate. On that day, the perception of our community as an oasis safe from catastrophe was changed forever.

I remember that day. I was a TV news reporter at the time, driving north on Lincoln Street toward the I-5 underpass – with a camera in the back seat – when I saw the flame’s towering plume. I didn’t stop to shoot video; instead, I called home and told the babysitter to close all doors and windows and keep my toddler inside.

In a disaster, our response instincts are often accurate; however, that’s not all that’s necessary to avoid harm.

Every year in September we’re reminded of terrorists’ deadly attacks on 9/11. However, September is more than a grim anniversary: it’s also National Preparedness Month. A chance to make a difference in our survival and recovery when the worst occurs.

We have the power to take charge, to prepare for emergencies. That’s important, because in a major disaster, each of us is our own “first responder.”  After an earthquake, tsunami or other major catastrophe, first responders will be called in many directions. It could take days before help arrives.

Fortunately, we needn’t be experts to prepare effectively. There are local opportunities to learn what we need to know: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is one. Now in its 25^th year, CERT has offered its eight-week course in communities throughout Whatcom County – from Point Roberts and Lummi Island to Sudden Valley, Western Washington University, and the small cities.

Other ways to prepare are even easier, for instance:

• Sign up to receive alerts and warnings (via org)
• Bookmark the WhatcomReady Facebook page and org for updates
• With one task a month, you can Prepare in a Year
• Become Two Weeks Ready, in case help is delayed
• Become a trained volunteer with CERT, Search and Rescue, Medical Reserve Corps, as an amateur radio operator or with Project Lifesaver
• Check out the County’s Emergency Preparedness website to locate natural hazards nearest you
• Find preparation guidance in other languages, including Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese as well as “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation information – coming soon in Spanish, Ukrainian and Punjabi

Hopefully, we will never again experience devastation such as the 1999 pipeline explosion. But we can expect to face flooding, weather damage, possibly an earthquake or volcanic eruption. When that happens, personal preparedness will help ensure we can survive, rebuild and recover.

 

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. After returning, she was Supervising News Producer and reporter for KVOS-TV’s NewsView before switching to communications for WWU, PeaceHealth and the City of Bellingham. Outside work, she co-chairs the Community PIO Group and is a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues.