We want our community to be #NampaReady for any disaster, natural or otherwise.  

While Idaho may not be high on the list for natural disasters, our food supply chain can be impacted by natural disasters in other areas across the United States.

Idaho is still prone to severe weather, wildfires, earthquakes, and other types of events that may require preparedness as well such as economic issues. 

Unusual events have possible Idaho impacts as well, for instance in March of 2023, a severe geomagnetic storm caused electrical power disruptions in several states. https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/time-lapse-of-solar-cycle-25-displays-increasing-activity-the-sun

It is safe to say that being ready never hurts but failing to prepare can cost more than money. Buying a little extra at the grocery store each time you go can help the cost of preparedness be more affordable.  

You can learn more about preparing for disasters, hazards, and emergencies at ready.gov.

Preparing a Disaster Supplies Kit

Idaho law and the federal emergency response system are built upon the principle of self-help and preparedness as a shared responsibility of each individual, business, non-profit, and level of government. 

Citizens can do their part by keeping a 12-day supply on hand of food and water for each person (and pet) in the house, making a plan for any medical needs, and being ready to work together with neighbors to help each other. 

Additional supplies to keep include: sleeping bags or warm blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, extra batteries, cash or checks, hand crank or battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, feminine supplies & personal hygiene items, garbage bags & plastic ties for personal sanitation, paper, pencils, and board games. 

Learn more about making disaster supply kits at ready.gov/kit. 

Creating and Storing a Water Supply

During an emergency, safe drinking water may not be available. Prepare by creating and storing a water supply.  Here are some tips to get you started:

• Unopened, commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable emergency water source.
• Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days for drinking and sanitation (2 weeks supply optimal).
• If clean drinking water is unavailable, boiling water is the safest method to disinfect water in most situations. Boil vigorously for 5 minutes or longer, and let cool to drink. 

Get more information on preparing a water supply at ready.gov/water.

Creating and Storing a Food Supply

A disaster can easily disrupt the food supply at any time. Have at least a 3-day food supply (2 weeks optimal). Here are some tips to help you create and store a food supply:

• Keep foods that require little or no cooking and do not require water or refrigeration in case of utility outages.
• Example foods to store: peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, manual can opener, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned beans, canned soups/chili, dried cereal/granola, powdered milk, canned juices, food for infants (if needed), and crackers.
• Keep foods with a long shelf/storage life. Examples include wheat, berries, white rice (uncooked), honey, sea salt, dried beans, vinegar, oats, dried pasta, instant coffee, tea, real maple syrup, olive oil, bouillon cubes, baking soda, loose popcorn kernels, and spices.
• Recommend buying a little extra or some of the supplies each time you go to a store to increase affordable preparedness. 

Learn more about emergency food supplies at ready.gov/food. 

Preparing for a Power Outage

Planning for electrical medical equipment needs may include designating a place to go in the event of an outage, such as a hospital, or buying a generator. 

To prepare for a power outage, prepare for medical needs such as a backup for refrigerated medicine or a backup power source or location for electrical medical equipment use (i.e. oxygen, dialysis machines).

Keep supplies on hand by creating a disaster supplies kit. Learn more about the recommended items for a disaster supplies kit at ready.gov/kit.

If cold, make a small space inside the house such as a tent to help keep people and pets warm; never use a gas-powered generator or propane heat source indoors, and never use your oven/range as a heater.

It is also good to know how to open garage doors and security gates manually in case there is a power outage.

Visit idahopower.com/outagetips for more information. 

Learn more about preparing for a power outage here: ready.gov/power-outages

Natural Gas Preparedness 

If you think you might have a gas leak, leave the area immediately with your pets and call 800-548-3679. If an emergency occurs and you do not smell or hear escaping gas, you probably do not need to shut off your gas. If you do smell gas (rotten egg smell), hear hissing, or if you see dirt being blown into the air outside (indicating a potential gas pipe rupture), evacuate the area immediately. 

If you think you might have a gas leak, DO NOT do any of the following: 

○    Do NOT use electronic devices
○    Do NOT use PHONES of ANY KIND
○    Do NOT use garage door openers
○    Do NOT use doorbells
○    Do NOT operate or start vehicles
○    Do NOT use matches /lighters
○    Do NOT operate light switches
○    Do NOT pull plugs from outlets
○    Do NOT use machinery or equipment 

Any of the above actions could ignite the gas. 

Evacuate people and pets and keep people away from the area until cleared. If leaking gas ignites, call 911. https://www.intgas.com/safety-education/emergency-information/