The time to prepare is now. In recent weeks, evacuation warnings and notices have been issued in several communities in Lewis and Clark County.

Nothing makes you realize the necessity for being prepared for emergencies than having to evacuate yourself.

Recently, I helped some friends evacuate from their house near Wolf Creek. Quickly, while standing in the middle of the house, we had to figure out which things to take with us, and where they were stored. This experience should remind us to use the luxury of time, and “take the first step” to becoming prepared now.

Whenever we hear about a disaster, most of us have trouble getting past the thought that “bad things don’t happen to me; they always happen to someone else.” This basic human reaction protects us. It prevents us from worrying about things we can’t control. However, we can’t predict what hazards might threaten our home. For some residents of Lewis and Clark County, “just in case” is now.

Here are some things to do now, to be ready, whether the threat is a wildfire or any other emergency. First, make a family communications plan. Your plan should contain the following information: phone numbers where everyone can be reached at work, school, and home, your doctor’s phone number, prescription information and your medical needs, and similar information about your pets.

Post these numbers on your refrigerator. In case you cannot return home, decide on a meeting place away from your home. Give your list to each family member and your daycare provider. Also, choose an out-of-town relative or friend to be a part of your emergency system. This is the person everyone in your family should contact if you want to send or receive information.

In addition to writing a communications plan, you need to assemble an emergency kit containing lots of water, some food, clothing and bedding, first aid supplies, flashlight, and battery-operated radio. Besides these basics, if you have family members with special needs, such as infants and toddlers or elderly or disabled persons, include items such as diapers, formula, special foods or fluids, and medications. If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. If you have animals, add dry and canned food, chew toys, leashes, carriers, or bedding to your emergency kit.

Keep copies of records such as birth certificates, immunization and medical records (especially copies of prescriptions for medications, eyeglasses, and hearing aids), Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, credit cards, bank accounts, mortgage papers, and utility bags. Put these in a large zip-lock bag. If you store important records on computers, keep back-up copies on disks. Consider sending computer disks to a family member or friend who lives in a different town or state. For more information about making an emergency kit, log on at

www.montanahelp.gov or www.ready.gov.

Local officials make every effort to provide the public with information. Tune into local media to stay informed. Avoid travel in the affected area. Do not flock to the fire or other hazard. Let the first responders do their jobs. If you live in the affected area, do your best to make sure everyone gets out safely. Keep an extra eye on your neighbors who are elderly or who have disabilities. Check on families who may have children or pets still in the house. Better yet, host a block party now, to talk about how you can help each other if an emergency ever threatens your neighborhood or community. Meet once or twice a year to update each other.

We can all “take the first step” to ensure our community stays safe and healthy. For more information or to schedule a presentation about preparedness, call Carole Swayze at 457-8966 or Valentine Sworts at 457-8944 at the Lewis & Clark City-County Health Department.

CAROLE SWAYZE works on emergency preparedness, a program of the Lewis & Clark City-County Health Department.