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 create your family disaster plan or store water!

Para obtener información en español visite www.listo.gov.

Multi-language resources: https://www.seattle.gov/emergency-management/prepare/multi-language-resources.

Be Informed: Alerts and Apps

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")
WebMD
OsmAnd, Offline Maps and Navigation (download maps within app)
SAS SurvivalGuide, Lite (Android or Apple)
Google Translate (Android or Apple, download languages within the app)
Useful Knots - Tying Guide (Android or Apple)
PulsePoint Respond

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

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.

GMRS Radio

GMRS radios are a great tool in an emergency! They have a longer range than family "walkie-talkies" and provide access to emergency response networks. While Ham radio is used to communicate with government agencies, GMRS is used for Hub to Hub and within Wedgwood. A license costs $35 per household and does not require a test.

How and why to get a GMRS license
Instructions for purchasing an FCC GMRS license
Many models of GMRS radios are available. The Hub network provides programming and a guide for the BTECH GMRS-V1 or V2. Let us know when you get your radio, and we can help you get it programmed.

Wedgwood Hub Radio Protocol when we have a power outage or emergency:

Join channel 028 RPTCH6 (aka North Seattle GMRS Repeater #6 at Maple Leaf) at 8AM and 8PM to collect wider North Seattle and Hub to Hub information.
Join channel 003 GMRS (simplex) at 9AM, 3pm, and/or 9PM to collect status and coordinate aid within the neighborhood (back-up channel 013).

Also, if you know any nearby Ham radio operators, be sure help us get connected!

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 natural gas, water and electricity. Emergency service providers and utility employees will be overwhelmed following the disaster, so it’s important that you and your neighbors learn how and where to control your utilities (PDF).

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.