Preparedness
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many families asked how they can prepare for an emergency. In Washington state, that means everything from earthquakes, volcanoes and floods, to forest fires and man-made disasters.
In the United States Senate, I’m working to ensure the federal government is a strong partner in our state and local emergency preparations. I’ve worked to invest in earthquake preparedness, emergency response, emergency planning, and first-responder programs.
You can play a key role in protecting your community and family. I hope the following links give you the tools you need to keep your family safe.
Current Flooding Information and Resources - 2012
Please contact your local county emergency preparedness page for information and resources:
Snohomish County Emergency Info
Pierce County Emergency Management
Skagit County Emergency and Incident Info
Whatcom County Emergency Management
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Washington State Flood Resources
Washington Emergency Managment Division
Washington Disaster Information
Washington State Department of Transportation
King County Flood Warning System
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General flood awareness information
Know the facts about flooding, learn the basics, determine your flood risk, NFIP in your community, estimate your premium and find an agent.
NFIP resources. One can request free publications, look at flood hazard maps, find out information on NFIP.
Insurance Center provides how to purchase flood insurance, what is flood insurance and why is it needed, policyholder preparedness, how to file a claim and why should a homeowner renew their insurance.
Find out your relative flood risk today online. Simply enter your property information, and we'll show you the relative flood risk to your property, links to flood insurance resources, and a list of licensed insurance agents who serve your area.
Flood zones are geographic areas that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. Brief definitions of the FEMA flood zones.
National Flood Insurance Program Information
Weather Events provides information on the hurricane season, the West Coast rainy season, winter flooding and weather warnings.
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Flood Risk ManagementEnvironmental Protection Agency website providing information on designation rivers under the American Heritage Rivers Initiative
Association of State Floodplain Managers is an organization which is a respected voice in floodplain management practice and policy in the United States.
The National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies is an organization of public agencies whose function is the protection of lives, property and economic activity from the adverse impacts of storm and floodwaters.
The US Army Corps of Engineers - responsible for investigating, developing and maintaining the nation's water and related environmental resources. A great source for hydrographic information.
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Planning information on a variety of types of disasters
An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
Mitigation Fact Sheets covering issues such as Mitigation Grant Programs, Additional Mitigation Programs and Activities and What Can We Learn from Disaster.
Determine Your Risk, provides information on how to identify possible hazards and emergencies as well as provides a link to review maps in your area.
Information on how to complete a plan for escape, evacuation, how to communicate, records, special needs, care for pets and livestock.
How and what to have with you in the event of an emergency.
Useful links for homeowners, renters, volunteers, parents, teachers, individuals with special needs, care for animals, grants and assistance programs.
Useful links for protecting a business, business recovery, flood maps, insurance, contractors and vendors.
Ready (Ready.gov)
How to Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed. There is an instructional video link as well
Overview for Business Owners plans to stay in business, preparing your people and protect your investment.
Ready Kids - Links for Kids to be ready for disasters. It is interactive and encourages children to be prepared.
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After a Disaster StrikesDisaster Help Home page - Providing the start point for Individuals who have register or need to register.
Provides links to news feeds, immediate needs, moving forward, local resources, disaster resources, how to register, etc.
Before you apply provides frequently asked questions section, what additional assistance may be available. Also provides link to the “Applicant Guide: Help After a Disaster.”
How the process works and disaster aid programs.
Locate and apply for disaster relief (launched January 2009)