Emergency Preparedness
BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES
More extreme weather, sea-level rise, flooding, drought, and wildfire are all projected to be issues in this time of climate change. Preparing for such events, knowing how to get the supplies and services you need, and helping others are all key to our weathering these events safely. The information below will get you started.
REGISTER FOR CODE RED
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.
PREPARE FOR HURRICANE
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.
PREPARE FOR FIRE
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.
Clearing brush and low hanging limbs on trees and replacing lawn with drought-resistant ground-covers are two things that can help.
VOLUNTEER
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.
FORM A NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP
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.
PREPARE FOR BACK UP POWER AND WATER
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.