How to Prepare
There are many things you need to do before disaster strikes to help yourself and your family. Recent events have shown us how quickly things can disappear from your local store even when normal supply lines are not disrupted. The American Red Cross and the City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management are great resources to help. Start now with just one thing a month (PDF), perhaps your family disaster plan or storing water!
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Be Informed
Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in our area. Sign up to receive text, email, and phone alerts during emergencies with Alert Seattle, Alert King County and Smart 9-1-1, and tune into local radio AM 710 KIRO or NOAA Weather Radio.
Download these free mobile offline apps that work without connectivity (cell or wi-fi):
American Red Cross Apps: First Aid and Pet First Aid (scroll down to "Every Day apps")
OsmAnd, Offline Maps and Navigation (download maps within app)
Google Translate (Android or Apple, download languages within the app)
Other free mobile apps that do require wi-fi or cell signal:
MyShake, Earthquake Early Warning (turn location services to always allow)
FEMA Alerts (set location within app, change when you travel)
American Red Cross - Emergency App (set location services and allow notifications within app)
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone
Make a Disaster Plan
Develop a household plan to make sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a disaster. Your plan should include the following information:
A place to meet in case you cannot get to your home
Contact information for family and friends that you may need to contact
Out of Area contact that can serve as a relay point for family communication (may be easier to get through long distance when local systems are overwhelmed)
Alternative routes home, including public transportation options
Plan for children, pets and any medical needs
Sign up for Alert Seattle to get emergency alerts and notifications
Use the Emergency Information template (PDF) to start recording important information for your disaster plan and/or use Emergency Information cards (PDF) for family members to carry with them.
More information at: https://www.seattle.gov/emergency-management/prepare/prepare-your-family#buildingafamilyplan.
Gather Emergency Supplies
Putting together emergency supplies does not have to be difficult or expensive. The City of Seattle recommends that you have enough supplies to last you 7-10 days. You could also have a small to-go kit in case you need to quickly leave your home. Having kits at work and in your car is also a good idea. To get you started, here are five things that are absolutely necessary to have.
Water (buy any commercially sealed water for no expiration date!):
1 gallon per person per day
1/2 for drinking, 1/2 for cooking/sanitation
Food
Store food that's high in calories and has a long shelf-life
Consider meal replacement bars, canned foods and dry food items that don't need to be cooked to eat
Make sure to include food you like to eat
Light Source
Avoid candles to minimize fire risk
Include safe light options like a battery-powered flashlight with extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight
Light sticks are a long-lasting source of light that are inexpensive and fits easily into any size bag
Warm & Dry Clothes
Include at least one change of clothing
If you get wet, it's important that you get dry as soon as possible because moisture pulls heat away from your body (wool or synthetic clothing that wicks moisture away from your body is recommended)
To stay warm and dry you can also pack extra blankets, a tarp or rain gear
First Aid Kit
Include items for basic care like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers and pain-relief medication
Make sure to include medications and equipment specific to your needs
After the five basics, what you stock is up to you. The information below will give you a number of things you can add and some fun and easy ways to put them together, not only for your home, but your car, workplace and school. The most important thing is to start. Don't be one of the people who after the disaster says, "I wish I had put supplies together."
Download Information and brochures
More information at: https://www.seattle.gov/emergency-management/prepare/prepare-yourself#buildingakit.
Know How to Shut-Off Utilities
After a disaster where utilities have been disrupted, there may be a need to turn off certain utilities in order to control additional damage from the disaster. This usually involves turning off one or more of the following; Natural Gas, Water and Electricity. Emergency service providers and Utility employees will be overwhelmed following the disaster, so it’s important that your family and your neighbors learn how and where to control your utilities (PDF).
Learn Urban Survival Skills: Twin Bucket Toilet
When the earth shakes, pipes break. Water and sewer failure is immediate after any major power outage, especially after an earthquake - and the fix is longterm. Be prepared to handle your household's waste and keep everyone healthy!
See more Urban Survival Skills resources from Seattle Emergency Hubs.