Kirkland Emergency Management Update

A Message from OEM

Typically, at the one-year anniversary of a major incident we reflect, we remember, and we look back. At the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps, it's best if we look foward.

We are still very much in the middle of the pandemic, and all of us have been impacted by COVID-19 over the past year, some perhaps more personally than others due to illness or the loss of loved ones.

Incident anniversaries tend to heighten reactions or emotions both good and bad, both our own feelings and those of people around us. It's a good time to be reminded that being aware of emotions and reactions is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones, your community, and yourself.

A summary of the CDC guidance for pandemic reactions and self-care is provided below, we also encourage you to check out the full website in case the information could help you or someone you care about.

• Stress can cause feelings of fear, anger, sadness, or frustration, changes in apetite, energy, desires, and interests, difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or sleeping, cause headaches, worsening health problems, or lead to increased use of alcohol or other substances.
• It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the pandemic.
• Healthy ways to cope include taking breaks from news and social media, taking care of your body, finding activities to do that you enjoy, talking to others, and reaching out for help when needed.

So many of you focus on helping others, don't forget to take care of you!

National Mental Health Information Center Toll-Free: 1-800-2647 (English and Español) TDD: 1-866-889-2647 Online: www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment.

Honoring Fire Chief Joe Sanford for 40 Years of Service

Please join us in honoring Fire Chief Joe Sanford for his amazing 40 years of service to the City, his fellow firefighters, and the community.

Chief Sanford has spent his entire career with the City of Kirkland since being hired in 1981. Chief Sanford advanced to the position of Fire Chief after in May of 2016, after roughly 9 months as interim chief.

Chief Sanford has been an incredible supporter of the City's Emergency Management program. During the City's Covid-19 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation in 2020, Chief Sanford was a reassuring source of stability, professionalism, and hope day after day. OEM is so grateful for his continued presence and support. Thank you Chief Sanford!

Emergency Management Internship

Come get some real world experience in Emergency Management! Kirkland OEM is hiring two college interns for the summer. Ideal candidates would be interested in mass care, planning, EOC readiness, or training development.

Know a college student interested in emergency management? Please help us spread the word! The full job posting is available here.

Quote of the Quarter

“Good people turn to love, courage, and kindness in times of crisis, not hate, fear, and cruelty" - Laurence Overmire

Contact Us

Email:
KirklandEM@kirklandwa.gov

Phone:
(425) 587-3691