Kirkland Emergency Management Update

Tip of the Term

The global spread of COVID-19 has brought with it unprecedented challenges. As the first wave of the virus seems to have peaked in many places, there has been talk about going "back to normal." But, like any large disaster, there's no going back. We are going to live in an altered environment for many months, and we must all start planning for what our 'new normal' is going to look like. There are adjustments all of us are going to have to make in the coming weeks, like changing how we do trips to the store, learning to use online social tools to maintain relationships and support mental health, and modifying our daily life to keep ourselves and others safe. The City of Kirkland is working on plans to continue to safely provide services to our community. We encourage each of you to plan and act as well.

A Message from OEM

It has been an interesting few months for the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). The Kirkland Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened on February 29th and is still activated as of today. City staff have worked long hours and endless days to do their best to serve our community and businesses in the safest and most efficient way possible. We know this has been a challenging time for everyone, and we want to thank you for your efforts to slow the spread and save lives. And as things start to reopen, we want to beg you to PLEASE follow the guidance related to social distancing, hand washing, gatherings, and face coverings. If we all do our small part, we can make a difference in everyone's life. We leave you with this lovely message that was drawn on the pier at Juanita Beach, a good one for all of us to keep in mind moving forward. 6 Feet Saves Lives!

CERT Corner

In response to recommendations from PHSKC, and out of an abundance of caution, Kirkland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes will be cancelled for the remainder of 2020.

OEM is working on ways to deliver preparedness classes to the Kirkland community in compliance with social distancing guidelines, so stay tuned for more information.

KECT Broadcast

We are excited to share that Kirkland Emergency Communications Team (KECT) Leader Josh Saran has won the 2020 Milton 'Bob' Knight Award. This award, named after the founder of KECT, is given to a volunteer member who has given selflessly of their time and knowledge just as Bob Knight did.

Josh is committed to building a strong, capable Kirkland Emergency Communications Team. Josh spends time each month addressing technical equipment needs and supporting organizational team requirements. Josh mentors new radio operators and serves as a technical advisor to OEM. Josh is passionate about the mission of amateur radio operations and helping the community.

Neighborhood Notes

The City of Kirkland has recognized the Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) volunteer coordinator, Susan Vossler, for the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award. This award is given to people who have taken volunteerism to the next level with their participation and commitment. This volunteer takes extra initiative, contributes extra time, takes ownership of a project, and demonstrates dedication to their assignment above and beyond what is expected.

Susan has championed the MYN program for several years. While Emergency Management has transitioned she maintained an active and committed position to prepare neighborhods to work together in a disaster response. Susan leads multiple facilitator trainings each year and meets with neighborhood after neighborhood. Through her dedication and efforts, Kirkland residents are better engaged with each other and the City. 

Quote of the Quarter

“I'd much rather see people lock down their mouths and noses than lock down their neighborhoods.”

- Dr. Jeff Duchin, Public Health Officer, Public Health - Seattle & King County

Contact Us

Email:
KirklandEM@kirklandwa.gov

Phone:
(425) 587-3691