National Tsunami Awareness Week

March 24th - 30th

A tsunami is a series of long waves that can reach significant heights, caused by a significant displacement of water, for example following an earthquake or landslide. Seattle was built over a zone where the earth comes together, almost as if stitched or a tear fixed with a zipper. The last major earthquake on the Seattle fault happened about 1,100 years ago.  Why does this matter? Because to #BeTsunamiReady is to #BeSeattleReady. We love where we live, work, and play. Let's make sure we know about potential hazards and be ready for the unexpected. Who depends on you, and what would they need to make it through? Another looming fault you've probably heard of is the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the pacific coast of Washington, spanning 700 miles from British Columbia to Northern California. An earthquake on both of these faults could cause a tsunami, impacting the city in different ways. A tsunami from the Seattle fault would arrive much quicker, potentially resulting in much stronger and more immediate impacts than a tsunami arriving from an earthquake on the Cascadia Fault. New tsunami evacuation mapping, released by the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) in October 2023, highlighted the need for increased awareness for community members on where the potential hazards exist and how to be better prepared for when the unexpected could disrupt your routine, and in this case, potentially impact your safety. Here's what our friends at FEMA recommend you do during a tsunami! For this year's National Tsunami Awareness Week, plan to do at least one thing. Remember to ask yourself, who depends on you, and what would they need to make it through?  Get Free Preparedness Training

What's Happening This Spring?

Photo: OEM Community Engagement Manager Sophia Lopez and her cat Sunshine taking a #SafePlaceSelfie while drop, cover, and holding on their safe place. 

April 3 is #SafePlaceSelfie Day!

#SafePlaceSelfie is an annual NWS awareness campaign. The idea is to think about the places you visit and identify where would you go if you had to get to safety. Where is your safe place during severe weather? On April 3, 2024, take to social media with your #SafePlaceSelfie to help raise awareness on the need to be aware of your hazards and steps to take during severe weather events.

National Weather Service

Spring Break Youth Disaster Day Camp Through a partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Garfield Community Center, OEM will be kicking off another youth centered disaster education program, this time over Spring Break.  Youth ages 11-17 can gain hands-on experience in emergency preparedness and first aid with the Seattle Office of Emergency Management! Online registration closes on April 1st. Camp runs April 8-11 at Garfield Community Center. Click below to register! Contact Weenta Stephanos, Community Engagement Coordinator at Weenta.Stephanos@seattle.gov

Youth Hazard Preparedness Camp

April is National Financial Capability Month

Formerly known as National Financial Literacy Month, April has always been associated with finances. With tax season ending in April, and the threat of financial criminal activity always looming over us, taking steps to protect your family starts with being financially prepared. 

Last year, the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) released a page of free investor education resources for all ages. Whether it's your life savings, retirement investments, or even your daily use accounts, our financial profiles are all over the internet and always at risk. Take a moment to check-in on your financial security and capabilities in relation to a long-term disaster such as an attack on the power grid or major earthquake that impacts all connectivity and access to cash flows. 

3-Steps to Prepare Your Finances for Natural Disasters

Volunteer Educators Recruitment Drive Coming Soon!

Do you have an interest in supporting your community? Are you comfortable speaking in front of an audience? One of the many ways we approach community engagement is by providing free preparedness education to the community. From basic disaster preparedness to hands-on skills trainings such as how to use a fire extinguisher, our office is determined to bring free safety and preparedness training to everyone who lives and/or works in the Seattle and tailored to your respective community's needs. 

Part of being able to deliver such critical lifesaving education while having it be impactful, is having it come from other community members in partnership with our office. As a volunteer, we'll train you in how to deliver our programs and how to serve as a representative of our department, the city, and your community.

Right now, we're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. We'll push out more firm dates and location of onboarding as soon as we're able. Stay tuned for more information on the when and where! For questions, contact Sophia Lopez, Community Engagement Manager at Sophia.Lopez@seattle.gov. 

Learn More Here