 Is your emergency kit a disaster? A recent New Yorker magazine article drew a lot of attention to the importance of being prepared for 'the Big One' in the Pacific Northwest. But, if you're like many people putting together an emergency kit is still on your to do list.
September is National Preparedness Month, and that makes it a good reminder to get your kit together. Fortunately, gathering the needed supplies isn't rocket science, and you're probably more prepared than you think. Get started by checking out this helpful checklist. Then take stock of what you already have around the house and put it in an easy-to-carry container. Finally, add the remaining items to your shopping list and pick up an item or two each time you go to the store. Don't forget to include drinking water!
Find out more about how you can prepare for emergencies here, then see how the Consortium and its water provider members are working together to ensure that water is there when you need it - even during an emergency.
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 Waterwise tips for fall
It's been a long, hot summer. But, as we head into the latter half of September there is a definite fall crispness in the air. As a result, now is a great time to prepare your garden and watering systems for fall and winter. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Add waterwise plants to your garden now so that they can use this fall's rainfall to start getting established. (You will have to water them regularly until the rainy weather begins!) Get ideas from our Waterwise Plant Guide here.
- Remember to winterize your automatic sprinkler system and faucets when done watering for the season. Taking time to winterize this fall will help to prevent broken pipes this winter and ensure that your system will function correctly when you set everything back up next spring.
- Give your lawn a little TLC. It seems a little counter intuitive, but now is a great time to give your lawn a little pick me up for next spring and summer. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
- Compost your autumn leaves and other garden debris so you will have homemade mulch to add to your garden come spring.
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Watering season coming to a close
If projections are correct, the rest of September should be punctuated with some much-needed rain. If this is the case, then gardeners across the greater Portland area will be able to put down their hoses and dial back their irrigation systems as we slip into fall.
Regardless of the weather, many plants naturally need less water during the fall and winter because they go dormant until spring. That said, gardens and landscapes may need some water - especially new plantings, vegetables, and plants located in pots or under eaves or trees - until it starts raining on a regular basis.
Interested in finding out when you should start watering next spring? Let us take the guesswork out of it for you. Sign up to receive our Weekly Watering Number.
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Looking for something fun and educational to do with your little ones once the rain begins?
The Consortium's "Water and You" activity book's fun-drenched pages are full of activities to keep your kiddo busy as she or he learns about Oregon's most valuable liquid asset - water!
(Recommended for kids k-2).
Find more fun activities and games for your little ones here.
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