Spring 2026 Newsletter
This is the first quarterly newsletter of Anderson Island Prepares (AIP)
Background
Why Anderson Island Prepares was Started
AIP was started in the fall of 2024 after a lecture by Scott James, Bainbridge Island resident and author of “Prepared Neighborhoods, Creating Resilience One Street at a Time”, attracted hundreds of Anderson Island residents with concerns about disaster prep. There is a 10-15% chance of a major earthquake in the next 50 years and the wildfire risk is increasing.
Since its Inception
AIP is focused on preparing the island for a possible disaster. In just a short time, neighbors have begun meeting neighbors, emergency supplies are being gathered, and a website has been developed to guide residents in this preparation. We have divided the island into 8 zones, with 5 to 10 designated neighborhoods within each zone, and we’ve recruited over 100 volunteers. A comprehensive communications plan has been established, and we are in the process of creating emergency hubs, an emergency response plan and relationships with other island disaster prep teams in the Puget Sound.
Our Current Goals
Deepen relationships on the island - this will increase our resilience
Encourage every household to store a 30-day emergency supply of food and water
FIne tune our emergency communication plan
News
Important Safety Announcement
The Fire Department is warning residents that driving around barricades that are blocking downed electrical wires is very dangerous. Always assume a wire is live unless you have been told by Tanner that it is not, and stay 200 feet away. Block newly fallen wires and call Tanner at 425-888-0623.
Trainings
Anderson Island Prepares Mass Care Group will host a series of training sessions from 2:30pm to 4:00pm on three Saturdays in May at the Anderson Island Historical Society.
May 16 Sheltering and feeding
May 23 Distribution of emergency supplies
May 30 Disaster Assessment
Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow for time to be settled in and be ready to begin promptly at 2:30.
Dates to Remember
September 12: Anderson Island Safety Fair
October 17: The Great Washington Shake Out Day. Anderson Island will join millions of people worldwide in conducting an earthquake drill.
Communications
AI has developed a system of emergency communication using GMRS and ham radio operators. A recent test also confirmed that we have email and text capabilities for sending emergency notifications to loved ones! Learn about the Anderson Island Emergency Communications Group.
Distribution of Cots
The Red Cross has generously donated cots and emergency kits to the island. We would like to get those distributed to different neighborhoods so they are more readily accessible. If you are able to store cots and/or emergency kits for your neighborhood in your garage or crawl space,
Please contact Greg Suddeth at islandsustainabilitysolutions@gmail.com.
Emergency Preparation Tasks
Emergency preparation can seem overwhelming. An easy first step is preparing for a nighttime earthquake by putting a pair of shoes and other items under your bed, so if there is glass on the floor you won’t cut your feet. See the Anderson island Preparation Guide for an “Under the Bed Kit” list.
Neighbors Working With Neighbors
Zone 3 Met March 15th -
Scotch Broom Remediation
In addition to being an invasive plant, Scotch Broom is also a fire hazard here on the island and needs to be eradicated. Now is a great time to pull it before it blooms. Scotch Broom pulls will be happening each weekend!
If your neighborhood would like support for a weekend work party please contact marybethcamp@gmail.com. Scotch broom should be bagged and put in the trash, not in yard waste. Burning scotch broom is toxic to the lungs.