After the earthquake in Italy a few weeks ago, I realized that I needed to be more prepared for when “The Big One” hits Seattle.

If an earthquake or other disaster hit, would I be ready? How would Ballard do? Most importantly, what could I do to help out my neighbors?

Ever since I was in the Boy Scouts I have taken their motto “be prepared” to heart. Having lived through a few minor natural disasters I know the value of having food, water, candles, blankets, and a battery-powered radio on hand.

Knowing I need to be prepared is one thing but actually being organized and feeling truly ready is another. Just having these things around the house is not enough. It is a good idea to make sure you have the same equipment in your car and a backpack ready to go in case you have to evacuate.

Once you have your emergency kits together for you and your family you can start to think about everyone else. What about your neighbors and the rest of Ballard?

If there was a big enough earthquake, for instance, and the Ballard Bridge goes down, we would be cut off from downtown and could be on our own for a while before any help comes. The first responders will be taking care of the biggest problems first.

Unless you have a life-threatening problem, chances are you will have to be on your own for at least 72 hours or more. If you recall, during the windstorm a few years ago, some neighborhoods in Seattle didn’t have power for a week or more. If something happens, we have to take responsibility for ourselves and for what happens in our neighborhood.

How well do you know your neighbors? Chances are they will be the ones helping you and vice versa. Now is the time to introduce yourself if you haven’t already and to being up the subject of preparedness. If you’re a leader or an organizer, look into the preparedness classes offered by SNAP (Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepared) and the Red Cross and put together a training class in your neighborhood.

If you are interested in working with other people in Ballard on this issue, there is a meeting coming up on Saturday, April 25. It is called Central Ballard Prepared and will be held at the Ballard Landmark at 5435 Leary Ave. N.W. from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the meeting room.

This meeting is about bringing people together to talk about what preparedness might look like in central Ballard. Debbie Goetz from the Seattle Dept. of Emergency Management will be there along with Martin Qualters who is active in the SHARP (Seattle Housing Authority Residents Prepared) program at Ballard House.

Emergency preparedness sounds like a great idea but many people, including myself have not done as much to get ready as we would like. There are many reasons why we have procrastinated about getting ready but no good reason why not.

Unfortunately, it is not a question of if there is going to be a disaster, but when. Take the time right now to prepare yourself, your family, and the Ballard community. It is a form of insurance and taking responsibility for your safety will give you more than just supplies and a plan during an emergency, it will give you peace of mind.