Everett Residents Urged to Prepare for Disaster Before it Arrives

December 13, 2012

Everett, Everett Government

Click the house for some great emergency planning tools for your family

Click the house for some great emergency planning tools for your family

While wet, its been pretty calm around Everett lately with the biggest disaster being the closure of 529 between Everett and Marysville on a weeknight. That one closure highlighted just how messed up things can get and has prompted local emergency officials to issue this reminder…

What do earthquakes, windstorms, heavy rain and flooding have in common? All have impacts that can be alleviated when residents become better prepared for disaster situations.

Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM), the Everett Office of Emergency Management and Emergency Services Coordinating Agency are joining together to encourage residents to make their households more prepared.

“Because we cannot control when a disaster event may occur in our region, taking steps toward preparedness is important for our families’ comfort and safety when something happens,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “Preparedness can reduce panic and help us return to normal faster.”

Preparedness can include many things — disaster supplies, household communication plans, alternative route planning and home evacuation plans — and doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Disaster supply kits should include basic first-aid items such as bandages, cleaning and disinfecting products, over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers.

Kits also should include non-perishable, canned or dehydrated foods as well as water. Each person needs one gallon of water per day. It is also important to think about ways to heat and purify water for consumption or sanitation. Families should think through the unique daily requirements of each household member including pets, infants and small children.

Residents also should keep basic supplies in their cars or commuter bags. These supplies might change based on the weather, but should always include a flashlight, food, water and protection from the elements, perhaps a rain poncho or “space” blanket.
There are many sites that can help families prepare for disasters, but a great place to start is at the Snohomish County Emergency Management web page:
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Emergency_Management/. It contains tips for families, schools and businesses to prepare for any event.

For more information by phone, call:
Snohomish County DEM — 425-388-5071
Everett Office of Emergency Management — 425-257-7965
Emergency Services Coordinating Agency — 425-776-3722

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