Extreme Heat Emergency Preparedness Webinar
Administration for Community Living and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of Disability Integration and Coordination invite you to the second event in this year’s webinar series to support individuals with disabilities and older adults — and the organizations that serve them — before, during and after disasters. This webinar will address the unique issues surrounding extreme heat.
When: 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, June 24. - Register here.
Please click here for more information.
Wildfire Season Preparedness
Washington has experienced a recent uptick in wildfire activity as the summer season begins. Now is a good time to act to be informed and prepared. Planning is a key component of any successful household emergency plan.
Wildfire Preparedness
Wildfires have surpassed flooding hazards as Washington state’s biggest threat.
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Register for iNWS Mobile Alerting to receive text and email alerts from the National Weather Service including fire watches, warnings and advisories.
- Review wildfire evacuation level terminology. Level 1 (Ready), Level 2 (Set), Level 3 (Go.)
- Visit Ready.gov for Wildfire preparedness resources for families.
- Register to receive public alerts and notifications from your county. (Tip: do a web search by adding your county’s name and add “emergency alerts.”)
Smoke Preparedness
When it’s smoky outside it’s important to reduce exposure by staying up to date on air quality conditions, limiting time outside and keeping indoor air as clean as possible. Exposure to smoke can cause health problems ranging from minor to severe. Those with pre-existing conditions, infants and children, pregnant individuals and adults 65 and older can be most sensitive to wildfire smoke. Minor symptoms can include headaches, stinging eyes, runny nose and trouble breathing. Having a way to filter indoor air will benefit your health.
- Protect yourself from wildfire smoke, visit the Department of Health’s Smoke from Fires webpage.
- Stay updated on wildfires, air quality, the forecast and health information on the WA Smoke Blog.
- Find real time air quality information in your area. Visit Department of Ecology’s Air Monitoring Network.
- Be prepared at home. An easy and affordable way to make your own air cleaner is with a box fan and a furnace filter. Click this link to learn more: DIY box fan filter.
Power Outage Preparedness
Power outages can cause a number of safety concerns, check out Power Outages preparedness tips and recommendations from the Dept. of Health.
Personal Preparedness
Review your family’s preparedness plans, communication strategy and emergency supplies. Build your preparedness plan to meet the unique needs of your household. Make a plan, build a two-week emergency supply kit and stay informed.
- Visit Ready.gov for resources, tips and recommendations to improve your family’s readiness.
The American Red Cross also provides helpful resources for how to prepare for emergencies.
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