Preparing Together Discussion Guide

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 09, 2012

New Guide Helps Groups Prepare Together for Emergencies

Public health emergency preparedness staff at Washington, Clackamas and Columbia Counties have developed "Preparing Together: A Discussion Guide and Toolkit." The purpose of the guide is to provide individuals, families, groups and communities with easy-to-understand information and resources on preparing together for a disaster or emergency.

Preparing Together first emphasizes making a plan, not making a kit like most other preparedness information. "The idea is that making a plan is something that almost everyone can do," says Sue Mohnkern, Public Health Preparedness Program Supervisor with Washington County. "Even more importantly, making a plan—talking with your family about what you're going to do in an emergency—is the best way to help you and your family survive a disaster."

The guide and toolkit are written for the average citizen who has no knowledge of preparedness. Participants are able to learn many important concepts and walk away with defined action items after this one presentation.

Preparing Together can be presented as:

• A narrated presentation that has been uploaded to YouTube. A facilitator is not required but can be used.
• An un-narrated PowerPoint® presentation, for which a facilitator is necessary. All presentation notes are provided.
• A printable PDF of the presentation slides.

Preparing Together: A Discussion Guide and Toolkit will be available soon at local libraries in Washington, Clackamas and Columbia counties.

For more information, contact Cynthia Valdivia at Washington County Public Health at 503-846-8292.

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