OEM August Preparedness News: A look ahead at National Preparedness Month

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 08/16/2021 03:05 PM PDT
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September 2021 is National Preparedness Month. Prepare to protect.

September is National Preparedness Month!

Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and emergency preparedness agencies, organizations, and community groups come together to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”

For the first time in its history, the Ready Campaign, in partnership with the Ad Council, identified the Hispanic community as a key audience, and will launch a series of Public Service Advertisements specifically designed to encourage preparedness within the underserved demographic.

Each week of National Preparedness Month has a theme. The weekly themes for 2021 are:

Week 1 September 1-4: Make A Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Week 2 September 5-11: Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Week 3 September 12-18: Prepare for Disasters

Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

Week 4 September 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

The Seattle Office of Emergency Management will be participating in National Preparedness Month this year through digital outreach across platforms like this newsletter and our social media channels. Follow us on social media for preparedness tips throughout September and beyond!

Join us as we work to make Seattle communities more prepared for emergencies and disasters!

Seattle's Earthquake Response: Webinar Series

Webinar: Seattle's Earthquake Response, Transportation Restoration

Staff from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will provide an overview of plans for restoring transportation after a major earthquake. This will include information on how the restoration of roadways and bridges is prioritized, and how SDOT coordinates with other City departments and with regional transportation agencies.

Captioning will be available in English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese. Registration is optional. Click here to sign up for email confirmation with event details and reminders. 

The City of Seattle encourages everyone to participate in its programs and activities. For disability accommodations, materials in alternate formats, or accessibility information, contact OEM at 206-233-5076 or OEM@seattle.gov. Providing at least 72 hours notice will help ensure availability; sign language interpreting requests may take longer.

 
 

Webinar Recordings Available on YouTube

Webinars in this series are available to view on our YouTube channel! Previous webinars covered topics like response priorities, fire fighting, restoration of services, and sheltering. Check out our two most recent webinars below, or click here to view the full playlist.
Seattle's Earthquake Response: Utility Restoration

Click here to watch the August 4th Utility Restoration webinar.
Seattle's Earthquake Response: Sheltering and Feeding

Click here to watch the July 20th Emergency Shelter & Feeding webinar. 

Open Positions at OEM

OEM is hiring! Emergency planner, intern, and ASL safety ambassador

Emergency Planner

The Office of Emergency Manager is hiring one Planner. The Planner will be focused on facilitating, coordinating, writing and maintaining OEM plans regarding the management and coordination of the City's activities designed to address all aspects of threats, hazards, planned events, and other emergencies while promoting community resiliency. 

Applications are due on August 17, 2021. For more information about this job, or to apply, click here.

Video & Graphic Design Intern

The Office of Emergency is hiring a Video & Graphic Design Intern to create engaging and dynamic digital content that promotes emergency preparedness and other OEM programs. The Internship is open to students enrolled in an accredited education program, preferably studying in a technical discipline such as: graphic design, communications, video production, or equivalent experience. The Internship is paid.

Applications are due on August 17, 2021. For more information about this job, or to apply, click here. 

ASL Community Safety Ambassador 

The Office of Emergency Managment is looking to hire a contract vendor for an American Sign Language (ASL) Community Safety Ambassador.  Please click on the following link for more information. Click here:  ASL Community Safety Ambassador Application. For questions please contact Tey Thach at tey.thach@seattle.gov or the following number, (206) 615-0287. The deadline to apply is August 31st at 5:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Vaccines Available Now

COVID-19 vaccines are now available to everyone 12 and older. If you are eligible, you can find the nearest vaccine provider at: https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/.  

Residents who need language interpretation, help finding a vaccination or testing site, or ADA accommodation can call the King County COVID-19 Call Center at (206) 477-3977, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Learn more at the City of Seattle COVID-19 vaccination page: seattle.gov/vaccine. 

 

Get Your Vaccine!

 

City of Seattle Free COVID-19 Testing  

UW Medicine offers free COVID-19 testing for people who live, work, or regularly visit Seattle. Drive-through and walk-up testing are available. While testing is free, if you have medical insurance, please bring your insurance card or proof of insurance. Language interpretation is available. To learn more about these sites, please visit the City of Seattle COVID-19 Free Testing page.   

For the full list of resources and services, visit www.seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19.