City of Seattle Disaster Preparation

The City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management has a two-volume "Disaster Readiness and Response Plan," containing more than 800 pages of information. The purpose of this plan is to help the city coordinate resources to assist people as quickly and efficiently as possible after a disaster.

Types of Disasters

Seattle can experience heavy winter storms that cause power outages and other problems. Heavy rain can cause landslides and urban flooding. But most significant is the potential for earthquakes in the Seattle area. Although the city has not had a major earthquake for many years, it has experienced smaller earthquakes, and the potential exists for a major devastating earthquake.

Resident Preparation

Because a disaster means not enough resources will be available to help everyone who needs help, the city of Seattle considers disaster preparedness a partnership with its residents. The city provides suggestions and offers classes for how people can prepare and organize to take care of each other through the Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare (SNAP) program.

Considerations

The city of Seattle suggests that every household needs to have a disaster plan, an emergency supply kit, and an out-of-area contact. The city also suggests that neighbors prepare for a disaster by organizing together.

References

• City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management: Preparedness
• City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management: Hazards

Resources

• City of Seattle: Seattle Disaster Readiness and Response Plan: Volume II
• City of Seattle: Seattle Disaster Readiness and Response Plan: Volume I