Erin Coyle, Rapid Response and Emergency Management
This year has turned out to be one of disruption. Along with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires again swept through the state, making 2020 the second worst wildfire season on record.
Now, we are heading into the severe winter weather period that could bring strong winds and rain, deep snow and flooding. As the recent ShakeOut exercise reminded us, Washington is a hotspot for earthquakes; the next one could strike at any time.
It can feel overwhelming to contemplate all the possible hazards that could threaten our safety. But you can draw strength from the realization that we are not helpless!
We have the control to plan and prepare for whatever might happen. Taking steps now to become disaster ready will give you the confidence and assurance to respond to all-hazards incidents.
WSDA wants you to be prepared. To help, the Washington Emergency Management Division offers the Prepare in a Year Guide.
It’s as simple as completing one activity each month. At the end of 12 months, you’ll be much better prepared. Think of disaster preparedness not as a checkbox, something to do once and never again, but rather a continual process of learning, restocking supplies, and encouraging others to be prepared.
Start talking to your family as the first important step in your plan. During an earthquake, for example, your family might be separated at school, work or on the road.
Create a communications plan covering what happens if you are separated. Planning solutions now can help ensure calm, decisive response when it’s needed, because everyone will know what to do.
Three key steps to preparedness
Learn your hazards: Learning about the hazards near where you work, play, and live will help you and your family prepare for disasters that could happen.
Have a plan: Having a family disaster plan gives you the confidence of knowing just what to do when a disaster happens. Decide as a family on your meeting locations and your out-of-area contact.
Build kits: You and your family may be on your own for at least two weeks when a disaster happens. Build a “2 Weeks Ready” kit at home and smaller kits for work, school, and vehicles.
Find more information and resources about the three steps to preparedness, the Prepare in a Year Guide and 2 Weeks Ready. You can also find information about pet preparedness, assembling disaster supply kits, videos and publications on the Emergency Management Division’s webpages.
In summary: It can feel overwhelming to contemplate all the possible hazards that could threaten our safety. But you can draw strength from the realization that we are not helpless! We have the control to plan and prepare for whatever might happen. Taking steps now to become disaster ready will give you assurance and confidence. Find out how you can prepare on the Insider blog.
