By Gabrielle Enfield, October 25, 2023
“It’s not a matter of if… but when.” We hear that a lot about The Big One. The earthquake that anyone who lives in the PacNW knows about. And wildfires? They seem to be edging closer to city limits every fire season.
Disaster planning isn’t our favorite thing to think about. No one wants to imagine themselves, their families, or their homes in danger. And, it can seem daunting on where to start, without sending strong prepper vibes. Here in Magicland we combed through some resources that will hopefully help.
Understand Local Hazards
Knowledge is power! Are you aware of the risks you may face based on where you live? Portland, situated in the Pacific Northwest, faces various risks, including earthquakes (Hello Cascadia Subduction Zone), wildfires during dry seasons, winter storms, and occasional flooding.
Earthquake Preplanning
No one knows when, but we can secure heavy furniture, appliances, and wall hangings to prevent injuries during an earthquake. It’s not a bad idea to consult an expert to conduct a structural assessment of your home and consider retrofitting if necessary. Identify safe spots within your home, such as under sturdy furniture, away from windows, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills with your family. If you have young adults in your family who respond well to gaming, try sending them to https://www.cascadia9game.org/ a resource created to help prepare all of us for the potential of earthquakes.
Wildfire Safety
During those crucial dry months, take steps to protect your property and family. Create a defensible space around your home by removing dead vegetation and flammable materials. It’s a good idea to install spark arrestors on chimneys and vents and have an evacuation plan in place if you are in a high-risk area. Stay informed about wildfire alerts and advisories issued by local authorities. You can use the website, oralert.gov to see local alerts or text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts.
Flood Preparedness
Our beloved Portland is often at risk of flooding due to heavy downpours, this can lead to flooding, especially in low-lying areas. It’s imperative to know the flood risk for your home and to take preventative measures, which may include keeping electrical appliances off the floor or installing sump pumps. As always, stay up to date on local weather reports and disaster alerts and be prepared to evacuate as necessary.
Family Emergency Plan
Developing a family emergency plan is vital to ensure that every family member knows what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. Make time to sit down with your family and discuss evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and essential contact information for relatives and emergency services. Regular practice drills conducted every six months can reinforce the plan and ensure everyone is familiar with the procedures.
Build an Emergency Kit
Assembling a well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver during disaster situations. Your kit should include essential items such as non-perishable food, drinking water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, blankets, personal hygiene items, and any necessary medications. Customize the kit based on your family’s unique needs and remember to update it regularly to account for changing circumstances.
Disaster preparedness is not an option; it’s a responsibility that every homeowner with a family in Portland must shoulder. By understanding the potential hazards, creating a family emergency plan, building an emergency kit, and taking specific measures for earthquake, wildfire, and flood preparedness, you can significantly increase the safety and resilience of your home and loved ones.
Remember, preparedness is an ongoing process, and regularly reviewing and updating your plans will help you stay ahead of any potential disaster scenarios. By taking proactive steps today, you can face the future with confidence and ensure that your family’s well-being is protected, no matter what challenges may come your way. Stay safe and stay prepared!
Gabrielle Enfield
Broker | OR
She/Her
Real estate can be a wild ride. It's important you find your wingperson.
At Working Magic Group, we understand the important decision of choosing an agent partner for buying or selling in Portland. It's a relationship for the long haul. The team's goal is to apply myriad experiences, both personally and professionally, to help guide client partners through a thoughtful, strategic, seamless and fun journey. Founded by top broker Gabrielle Enfield, Working Magic's goal is to bust down the stereotypes of who Realtors are and how they serve. We are full service brokers, in it for the long haul, and believe in the relationship imperative. We operate from a place of trust with people at the center. Without that, we can’t do our work. Need an understanding of where to start, when it comes to getting ready to sell? We'll put backgrounds in project management to work and let you know what needs to happen, complete with spreadsheets, if you're into it. We've got the magicians on speed dial to show up and get it done so you can hit the easy button. We treat each listing as a brand we're launching and create emotional and sensory experiences that stand out. Custom playlists, anyone? We've been told our open houses are the best in town. Looking to purchase a vacation property and need it to generate rental income? Expect sharp pencils to make sure the numbers make sense. We can even help with the interior design and advise how to set it up to make top dollar. Ready to downsize? We'll be with you on this important chapter and gently guide you to what stays and what goes. First-timer who needs a steady hand to help guide you through the real estate process? Mama Bear's got you covered, and we'll be sure to point out what you need to look for or stay away from. Moving to PDX and need a proxy to get to know Rose City? Gab's a Pac NW native, and even with all its growth and change, this place still gives her butterflies. Plus, her background in video production makes those remote FaceTime home tours a breeze. About Gabrielle Enfield, Founder, Working Magic at Living Room Realty: I grew up in Woodland, Washington, and live in the wooded hills of Bridlemile, where I'm raising my family. #boymom. Today I am the #1 agent at my brokerage - which is Portland's #1 real estate office - and consistently rank in the top 1% of more than 8,400 brokers in the Portland metro. I love what I do and it shows. Before real estate, my career spans two decades of expertise I'm fortunate enough to apply every day. These experiences range from being a TV news anchor (visual storyteller) to helping develop some of the world's beloved brands like Xbox and Dave's Killer Bread (strategy and engagement). I also helped launch Paul Allen's MoPop to a global stage; it combined two of my life loves: music + architecture. I was on the forefront of integrated media, crisis communications, digital productions and managed events and massive teams that delivered headline-making news. I was practically born to sell Real Estate: my Dad is a retired custom home designer and builder, my Uncle is an architect and my Grandpa was a Realtor and developer. I am an active listener, have a keen eye for "good bones", and solving my clients' real estate needs in a creative and often unexpected way brings me joy. In my spare time, I am raising my kiddos to be confident weirdos, championing my spouse Per who is an IP attorney at Nike, hitting the thrift store circuit as often as I can, and volunteering my time as a Broker Advisor at Living Room. In 2023 I launched Hi Buddy Hospitality Group, a burgeoning hostel and restaurant in NE Portland. I also am a member of Project Color Corps Portland Chapter, a national non-profit that collaborates with people to add color to their essential community spaces, creating beauty, belonging, and joy. Please give a call – I'd love to see what it would be like to partner with you. For a look inside my everyday life, be sure to follow along on Instagram. Let's Work Magic together. High fives!
- T: 503-388-2788
- gabrielle@livingroomre.com
