As islanders, it is imperative for residents to have food, water and other necessities stockpiled to last them for at least two weeks following a disaster.

That was the key message delivered during a town hall about disaster preparedness lead by San Juan County Department of Emergency Management and first responders last March.

Now, a pair of disaster-ready islanders are organizing a series of free events to discuss preparedness beginning Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Orcas Island Fire Hall. The topic of the first meeting is an overview of disaster scenarios in the islands and how to prepare a household for those risks.