November 2025 November 2025 | Page 23

Charbonneau Villager November 2025 23

Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety

By NEIL KENNEDY

Thankfulness and readiness: A November reflection

As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, November naturally invites reflection. It’ s a time when we take stock of what we’ re

KENNEDY thankful for— our homes, family, friends and community. For those of us involved in emergency planning and public safety, it’ s also a moment to recognize that gratitude and preparedness are closely connected. The things we value most are also the things we should be most ready to protect.

Gratitude for community strength

Every year, we see examples of neighbors helping neighbors, whether during power outages, heat waves or community drills. These moments remind us that true resilience doesn’ t come solely from supplies or equipment but also from our connection to one another.

When emergencies happen, the first help often comes not from professional responders but from our neighbors. A quick knock to check on someone living alone, sharing a flashlight when the power goes out, or offering space in a warm home— these small actions make a big difference.

As we move further into the colder months, I encourage everyone to pause and appreciate our community’ s strength. Our shared concern for one another provides the foundation of real safety.

Preparedness as a form of gratitude

Preparedness is often thought of in practical terms— flashlights, batteries, food and water. But preparedness can be viewed as an act of gratitude. It’ s how we honor what we have and

those we love. Taking a few minutes to prepare today is a simple way of saying,“ I value this life, and I’ m ready to protect it.”

This November, I encourage you to do a short“ gratitude readiness check” at home. Here are a few steps to get you started:

■ Check your emergency lighting: Make sure flashlights and lanterns work and you have extra batteries.

■ Review your supplies: Rotate stored food and water, checking expiration dates.

■ Update your communication plan: Ensure important phone numbers are current, and everyone in your household knows where to find them.

■ Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Test each unit and replace batteries if needed.

■ Prepare for warmth: Have extra blankets, layered clothing, or a safe heat source available in case of a winter power outage.

Small, steady actions like these build confidence and calm. When an emergency occurs, they allow you to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting in panic.

Resilience starts with mindset

Another key part of preparedness is mental readiness. Emergencies can be unsettling, but how we respond emotionally can shape the outcome. A resilient mindset doesn’ t come from ignoring fear— it comes from managing it. A way to build resilience is to rehearse“ what if” scenarios calmly, as a household or neighborhood. Discussing how you’ d handle a prolonged outage, blocked roads, or communication loss makes the unknown feel more manageable.

Equally important is learning to pause and breathe during moments of uncertainty. Staying calm helps clear your mind, and calmness spreads quickly to those around you. When others see confidence and composure, it helps steady the entire group.

A season to share and support

November is also a season of generosity. As you prepare your own home,

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CHARBONNEAU VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO A

COMPLIMENTARY VETERANS DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST The Wilsonville Rotary Club and CCC are sponsoring this event to show appreciation to our Veterans. Guest Speakers: Retired United States Marine Corps, John McLain / Retired United States Marine Corps, Carlyne Lynch / Retired United States Air Force Captain, John Budiao

Saturday, November 8th 2025 • 8AM Clubhouse / Dining Room Please sign up at the Activity Center Front Desk to RSVP

C A L L I N G A L L C R E A T I V E V O L U N T E E R S!

* Do you like to decorate? * Do you love the Holidays? * Do you enjoy spreading Joy to others?

PLEASE JOIN OUR CCC HOLIDAY DECORATING COMMITTEE TODAY!

CALL OR EMAIL KRISTINE 503-694-2300

kristine @ charbonneaucountryclub. com