Make a Community Plan

Because of Washington’s diverse geology and extreme weather patterns, communities across the state are vulnerable to disasters. Washington has 3,000 miles of shoreline and one of the highest tsunami risks in the United States. The state has the second highest earthquake risk in the U.S. and five active volcanoes (including the second and
third highest risk ones in the country). Plus, there's wildfires, storms, floods and other hazards. These will leave individuals and families isolated and having to rely on their personal preparedness efforts to survive until resources become available.

A connected community will be able to respond to and recover more quickly from the effects of a disaster and save lives. Communities will most likely be based on geography — neighbors helping neighbors — but they can be based on shared backgrounds, common interests or faith groups.

Neighborhoods that are prepared save lives, reduce the severity of injuries and trauma, reduce property damage and recover more quickly. Make a plan for:

How to communicate with your community and notify them if you need
help or are OK.
How to evacuate to a safe location. Use your community map.
How to help each other during and after a disaster.

Learn more at https://mil.wa.gov/plan

Now is the time to engage your community and work together to get prepared. Download these resources:

Preparing Your Community Brochure (printable)
Community skills and resource list
Community Contacts Sheet
Printable grid paper to draw a map
Downloadable OK/ HELP Card

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Preparing your neighborhood is vital. Neighbors will likely be each other’s first responders! Neighbors that are prepared are more effective in their response to a disaster and have an increased capacity to be self-sufficient as well as help each other survive. Contributing as an individual and working together as a team also helps develop stronger communities and improve the quality of life in the community.

Know Hazards & Reduce Risk

A community that understands what hazards can affect them will be able to take specific actions to help reduce risk and survive during and after a disaster. Learn more at mil.wa.gov/hazards

Graphic shows icons of Washington's Top Natural Hazards. Earthquakes ● Storms ● Wildfires ● Volcanoes ● Floods & Landslides Visit: mil.wa.gov/hazards

Disasters are major events that can strike anywhere and at anytime. In a disaster, traditional 911 and first responder capabilities such as fire, police, emergency medical services and utility personnel will be overwhelmed and unable to immediately assist individuals.

Gather Supplies

After an emergency, stores may not be open to sell food or supplies and power, roads and regular communications may be inaccessible.

Communities will need to rely on each other for days to weeks. Encourage community members to gather their personal supplies.

Every household should have a go-bag for each family member/pet and at least two weeks worth of supplies at home.

Share your skills

In a disaster, your most immediate source of help are the neighbors living around you. Take action today; go say hi!

Organize & share resources and skills:

Identify skills and resources community members are willing to share.
Designate a community meeting spot to share and distribute supplies.
Develop relationships with not-for-profit organizations and local business partners.