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This quarter's edition of Kirkland's Office of Emergency Management Newsletter goes over upcoming events, preparedness tips, and activities that we've been up to.
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International ShakeOut Day is October 19th which means the Great Washington ShakeOut will occur at 10:19 that day! Whether you are at work, home, or school, this is a great reminder to think about your preparedness for an earthquake and actions to take when an earthquake occurs.
Remember when the ground shakes - drop, cover, and hold on. If you are driving, pull over and stop. If you are outside, get low to the ground and protect your head. If you can’t get low, do the best you can to protect your head and neck. When the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injury and your surroundings for hazards, and relocate if needed.
However you participate in the Great ShakeOut, be sure to share this information with loved ones, coworkers, neighbors, or others. Together, we can spread knowledge of preparedness and make a difference WHEN the big one hits!
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 It's that time of the year again! Daylight-saving time ends on November 5th, which means it is time to "fall back" and turn back the clocks one hour! While you are changing your clocks, it is a great time to check your safety and preparedness items.
- Check your smoke detector batteries and make sure that they still work. Note: it is recommended that you should replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.
- Check your fire extinguishers. Make sure the pressure gauge is still "charged," and if it is a dry chemical ABC extinguisher, give your extinguisher a little shake to make sure the agent has not clumped up at the bottom.
- Rotate or replace your emergency food supplies, including refreshing the water that you have stored.
Once you've checked all these items off your list, you're ready to "fall back" and be prepared for the fall!
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Many of you have taken CERT and learned how to use a fire extinguisher. Recently, City staff were provided the opportunity to learn and test their extinguisher skills. This is a great time to check your extinguishers, make sure they are still charged, that the powder inside it is not in a clump, and also remember where you store it!
As the weather turns, we do less outdoor grilling and more indoor cooking. Kitchen fires are one of the most common causes of house fires; having an extinguisher near by and ready for use is a great way to protect you and your loved ones. Learn more information about fire extinguishers by clicking on this link to the U.S. Fire Administration's page on "Choosing and Using Fire Extinguishers."
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Fall has arrived, but winter weather is just a few weeks away! Now is the time to transition your summer commute kit to your winter needs. Gone is the sunscreen and shade hat! It is time to load up the gloves, boots, warm jacket, blanket, shovel and chains (if you use a vehicle).
This is also the time to review alternate routes to and from work or school in case of road closures, and confirm the emergency numbers of those you rely on for support when stranded or if you can't get where you need to be.
Prepare your home for power outages with fresh flashlight batteries, a portable charger for your phone (and remember to keep it charged!), and some extra layers in case it is dark and cold. A little prep work now can make a wet, chilly day just a bit more comfortable.
Find more information about winter preparedness on Kirkland's Winter Weather page or Ready.gov's Winter Preparedness page.
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Kirkland’s Emergency Communications Team (KECT) recently had the opportunity to partner with local scout Troop 572 for the KECT September drill! Troop 572 was able to assist with our radio box inventory and equipment check. KECT shared information about HAM radios, when radio communication is especially important, and ways that scouts can take the next steps in learning more about HAM radio operations. We hope to hear some new folks checking in on the nets once they pass their license exam! |
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The Office of Emergency Management has been creating videos in our "Let's Chat" series. If you haven't yet, head over to our YouTube channel to learn more information about emergency preparedness basics, information about local hazards, and more. The most recent video covers "Mini Go Bags and Preparedness on the Go."
Click on this link to see the video and begin the "Let's Chat" playlist.
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