Emergency Gear for the Northwest Region

The northwest is a cold, beautiful frontier. From the snow that sparkles in the winter sun to the rocky terrain of its majestic mountains, the northwest is certainly a sight to see. But that isn't to say that natural disasters cannot and will not happen.

When disaster strikes, it's possible to be prepared. Having an emergency kit at the ready will not only bring you peace of mind, it could even help you survive an ordeal you may not see coming.

It's no secret that earthquakes are the most common natural disaster to occur in the United States - even in the northwest. In 2001, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook the ground beneath Washington state for 40 seconds, causing one billion dollars in damages and a heart attack in one individual.

Emergency Threats in the Northwest

There are many threats that you can encounter in the northwest. These natural disasters can include floods, storms, landslides, and wildfires. You may even want to prepare for earthquakes as well.

Preparing for each disaster individually can feel overwhelming at times - and that's okay. Try preparing by assembling one kit at a time, and acquire supplies over a period of a few weeks - or even up to a month before a certain disaster's season.

Start preparing for the most imminent threat, and then work your way towards those that are less likely to happen in your area any time soon.

Waterproof Winter Ski Jacket

Insulated, durable, stylish waterproof jacket for winter survival

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Military Wool Blanket - L

L, 66 x 90 in
Full, 1-person

Generic military wool blanket for emergencies and the outdoors

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Knit Hat - Beanie

Durable, stretchable rib-knit insulated beanie hat

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Waterproof Insulated Gloves

Hand protection for the cold and snow

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Merino Wool Socks

Durable, stretchable, breathable wool socks for cold weather

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Waterproof Gore-Tex Snow Boots

Best of the industry waterproof, Gore-Tex winter boots

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Wildfires

Wildfires are fires that burn out of control and spread through wooded areas, grassy fields, and communities. Wildfires have been common throughout the west coast and the northwest region of the United States, and it's crucial to prepare before a wildfire becomes a threat.

Preparing for wildfires is simple - it's a mix of having the right insurance policies on your home, knowing where the fire is coming from, and having an emergency kit at the ready. Make sure your kit is light enough to be carried by a single person. You may even want to consider carrying certain supplies in your car or other emergency vehicle.

• Enough drinking water for each member of your family, including pets
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• A fire extinguisher
• Flashlights
• A whistle
• Batteries
• A first-aid kit

Severe storms

Severe thunder and rainstorms can strike anywhere - even over the quiet homes of the northwest. Storms can cause lots of damage, and even severe anxiety in some people. Being prepared for both the storm and dealing with extreme anxiety is an important part of being ready for a storm.

Storms can knock out power and cause flooding - and sometimes those events can put yourself and your family in peril. Have an emergency kit at the ready, and a windowless room to take shelter in.

You may even want to tailor your kit to include items that can comfort you or those with astraphobia - a fear of thunder and lightning.

• Enough drinking water for each member of your family - including pets
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Pliers and other tools for turning off utilities
• Flashlights
• A battery-powered radio
• Comfort items for you and your children
• Batteries
• Whistles
• A first-aid kit

Floods

Flooding is very common - and very serious. Flooding can happen during storms and heavy, continuous rain, and can result in water gathering in streets and neighborhoods. It's important to teach your children how to swim, and know how to perform CPR yourself.

It's easy to prepare for flooding at home, and even easier to get started on assembling an emergency kit today. When you need to evacuate quickly, it's best to have everything you might need in a bag to take with you to high ground.

• Enough drinking water for you and your family - including pets
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Floatation devices
• Flashlights
• A dry change of clothes for each member of your household
• Flares
• Batteries
• A first-aid kit

Landslides

Landslides can happen in the aftermath of many other natural disasters. Landslides are when large amounts of dirt, rocks, and debris falls (or slides) down large rocky or mountain terrain. Landslides can affect camping sites and homes - it's important to be ready for anything.

It can be intimidating to prepare for a landslide, but very necessary. Since landslides can happen at any time, it's important to be ready to evacuate the area quickly. Having an emergency kit on hand and ready to go can prove to be useful in times of need.

• Enough drinking water for each member of your family
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• A whistle
• A flashlight
• A battery powered radio
• Batteries
• A first-aid kit

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are terrifying events that can quite literally shake up the lives of countless innocent people. When plates in the earth shift, energy produced becomes shockwaves, which rock the surface, damaging homes, cities, and other structures.

Because there aren't a lot of ways to know when an earthquake will strike, it's important to be ready at any time. Knowing how to get out of your home quickly is crucial, as well as having an emergency kit at the ready outside of the home.

• Enough water for everyone in your family, including all of your pets
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Whistles
• A mask to protect your lungs from dust and debris
• A first-aid kit

Are You Doing Your Best to Prepare for the Northwest?

Now you know why and how to prepare for natural disasters in the northwest - while it's a beautiful area filled with tons of things to do and friendly people to meet, it can still be as dangerous as any other part of the country.

Be ready for whatever nature has to throw at you by assembling emergency kits for each member of your family - make sure all of your kits are kept up to date, and can be carried easily.

It's easy to get started, and it's easy to keep them maintained. You can get it done in a snap - don't be afraid to get started and assemble your kit today!

Knit Hat - Beanie

Durable, stretchable rib-knit insulated beanie hat

Buy on Amazon

Waterproof Insulated Gloves

Hand protection for the cold and snow

Buy On Amazon

Waterproof Winter Ski Jacket

Insulated, durable, stylish waterproof jacket for winter survival

Buy On Amazon

Merino Wool Socks

Durable, stretchable, breathable wool socks for cold weather

Buy On Amazon