Barbara Jensen, manager of Evergreen Hospital Medical Center‘s preparedness programs at all of its locations, including Redmond, said if the area is hit with a major earthquake or other disaster, Evergreen is stocked with the proper supplies and equipment. Evergreen Medical Center – Redmond also has backup generators so it can remain open during a time like this. Additionally, the hospital is a member of the King County Health Care Coalition, which includes all hospitals and health care organizations in the county. Jensen said everyone in the coalition works to make sure the county is prepared.

She said it is also important that people are ready at home.

Here are some things you can do at home to prepare you and your family for disaster:

• Gather supplies. Jensen said important things to have in your disaster kit — at home and at work — are a week’s worth of drinking water (a gallon per person per day), food that has a long shelf life such as canned foods, nuts and granola bars and at least seven days worth of any types of medication or prescription. In the case of a widespread power outage, debit and credit cards won’t work, so make sure to have a large amount of cash in small bills locked up. Also, for children, don’t forget special needs such as powdered formula for infants and toys for toddlers. The same goes for pets. Jensen said the American Red Cross has disaster kits available for purchase.

• Pet owners should also have a travel kennel for their four-legged family members as some shelters may not allow animals. Jensen said to be sure to have proper identification and contact information so you can get your animal back if you have to drop them off somewhere else.

• Have a disaster kit in your car: Include plenty of water, food that won’t spoil quickly and is easy to store such as Power Bars and beef jerky, as well as any medication you are taking. Jensen said you should also have a change of clothes, a pair of heavy-soled shoes and a first aid kit. In the winter: an extra hat, gloves and blanket.

• In the event of an earthquake, Jensen said to stop, drop and cover. Stay away from windows and glass. She said it is also important to prepare your home. Secure large pieces of furniture and pictures to the wall (when applicable) as well as TVs and other electronics.

• Make sure to have a plan of action with your family. Decide ahead of time on a central meeting place in case you are separated at the time of the disaster. Figure out how to contact each other and decide on an out-of-state contact as well.