CodeRED is Dukes County’s emergency notification system.

Please register for it so that in the case of an extreme weather event, you are notified and receive important information.

Go to your Town’s website and follow the link to CodeRED.

Warmer air and ocean water is increasing the likelihood of greater and more extreme weather events, including hurricanes and nor-easters.

There are many resources available that describe what is needed.

This one gives advice about preparing your house.

See this Storm Preparation Card for island emergency and hurricane kit information.

Climate change is bringing longer periods of drought in summer months.

Drought can mean greater potential for wildfire.

See this Wildfire Safety Tips card for preparation ideas.

Aquinnah is leading the way and has trained a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). These people are now ready to help in times of emergency.

Our population is aging. We need younger members of our towns to volunteer as firefighters and EMTs.

Each town has a designated Town Shelter. We need people trained to staff these facilities.

Contact your town’s Emergency Manager to volunteer.

A speaker from Puerto Rico, who had just experienced the devastation and aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, stressed the need to your neighbors and know who needs help during and after an event.

Make a list of your neighbors, their contact info and who to contact for them after the storm, if need be.

Having access to water and power was also emphasized as essential.

Having back up power and thus, water, in a prolonged power outage is key to being able to successfully live through these challenging times.

One option is to install solar and batteries at your house.

Another is to work with your neighbors to establish a community-owned and maintained solar array and battery bank with shared access to power and a water supply.