March: Communications
The first thing that happens after a disaster is that people seek out company and information. We want to know whether family and friends are okay, what happened, and what’s going to happen next.
BASIC
Choose an out-of-state contact.
Make a hard-copy and digital emergency contact list (local, state, and regional) for all household members.
Sign up for Bainbridge Island emergency alerts. Text 98110 to 888777.
Store tools for charging your phone.
Identify contingency contacts for all dependents in case you are away and unavailable.
ADVANCED
Add handheld radios to your communications kit.
Sign up for satellite phone service or a text message device if you don’t have a satellite-compatible phone.
Include a solar charger in your communications kit.
Keep NOAA weather radios on hand and in vehicles.
PRO
Learn amateur (ham) radio operation and invest in a ham radio.
Create additional communications plans whenever you travel:
Opt in to local emergency alerts.
Notify someone back home of your travel plans.
Learn about climate hazards in the area you are visiting and prepare accordingly.
Documentation
Submit the required documentation.
Prize
Your submission will be entered in a drawing to win the March prize: An emergency solar/hand-crank/battery radio with NOAA weather alerts, flashlight, USB charging port, SOS alarm.
You may submit your documentation at any time up until the end of the first Friday of the following month. You may submit early for ensuing months. Remember to stamp your passport for each completed month.