Preparedness

Our partners with the Federal Emergency Management Agency say it best: Preparedness is everyone’s job.  Preparedness is not just for government agencies, but all sectors of society. Service providers, businesses, civic and volunteer groups, industry associations and neighborhood associations, as well as every individual citizen should plan ahead for disaster. During the first few hours or days following a disaster, essential services may not be available. People must be ready to act on their own.

Two Weeks Ready: Be Prepared. Build Kits. Help Each Other. Download our new brochure and add the emergency information card, as well. Our thanks to the Seattle Office of Emergency Management for developing this brochure and offering it to us for statewide customization.

NEW! Download our drop, cover and hold earthquake scenarios map.

Map Your Neighborhood works.

You don't have to do it all at once. Prepare in a Year.

Emergency Management Division Publications

The publications listed here can be accessed by clicking on the links below.  Also, these publications, along with many others, can be found by visiting the State Emergency Management website at https://mil.wa.gov/other-links/publications. 

How You Should Prepare

• Threats and hazards facing Washington State
• Individuals and Families
• Pets
• Neighborhoods
• Businesses
• Schools
• Watch our Preparedness Videos (in multiple languages)

Alert & Notification Warnings

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is the primary means for providing the public with critical alert information about an emergency or disaster. Under EAS requirements, radio, TV and cable TV stations must participate at the National level or specifically request a waiver from the FCC. Further, they are encouraged to voluntarily participate in state and local EAS plans.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency: FEMA/IPAWS (For King County, Okanogan County Emergency Management, Pierce County, Stevens County and Washington State Emergency Management. In process for Benton County Emergency Management Office, Franklin County Emergency Management Office, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Pacific County & Spokane County Emergency Management)
• Ready.Gov/alerts: http://www.ready.gov/alerts
• National Weather Service Email and SMS Weather Alert Services
• ALERT King County
• King County Flood Alert App
• King County Emergency News
• ALERT Seattle
• Pierce County Alert
• Snohomish County
• Thurston County TeleAlert
• Alert Spokane
• Benton County
• Clallam County
• Clark County
• Cowlitz County
• Grays Harbor County hazard notification requests
• Island County Alert
• Kitsap County Alert
• Lewis County Alert
• Okanogan Alert
• Pacific County Hyper Reach
• City of Redmond Alert
• Skagit County
• Stevens County
• Whitman County/Pullman Alert
• Yakima Alert
• University of Washington Alert
• Washington State University Alert
• Eastern Washington University Alert
• The Evergreen State College Campus Notifications
• Central Washington University Alert
• Western Washington University Alert

Our Partners

• Federal Emergency Management Agency                                          
• Ready.Gov
• American PrepareAthon!
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Weather Service
  • Weather Service: Seattle
  • Weather Service: Portland
  • Weather Service: Pendleton
  • Weather Service: Spokane
  • Weather Service: Doppler Radars
• United States Geological Survey – All Hazards
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers                                                
• American Red Cross
• University of Washington Seismic Center 
• Washington State Department of Ecology
• Washington State Department of Health
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources
• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Western States Seismic Policy Council
• The Great ShakeOut - Earthquake Awareness
• Take Winter By Storm
• What to do to Make it Through
• Just in Time (videos)