Are you ready if disaster strikes?
From the Computer of Mayor Dave
In early September, Hurricane Katrina devastated the City of New Orleans and neighboring Gulf Coast communities. Our hearts go out to the hundreds of thousands of victims who lost family members, friends, homes, businesses, jobs and everything they need for a comfortable and productive life. Unfortunately, it was painfully apparent that local, state and federal responders were neither ready nor capable of responding to the kind of devastation left by Hurricane Katrina.
As I talk to friends and neighbors across our City, people are asking – Is the City ready, and is our region ready, for a major disaster? Your City has an emergency management plan. It needs to be updated and we continue to identify our emergency response needs and make improvements.
Regionally, King County and the cities in the county and our neighboring cities in south Snohomish County work together diligently to improve coordination, communication, resource sharing and response plans so that a unified and coordinated response can be effectively launched in any disaster.
So, I would ask you – ARE YOU READY?
Each individual and family should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours
(3 days) following a disaster. On October 21 and 22 there will be a Regional Disaster Preparedness Fair to kick off the 3 Days-3 Ways, Are You Ready? campaign.
Friday, October 21 is targeted toward businesses and Saturday will focus on families. Excellent speakers and workshops are featured on both days. Best of all, the event is free and open to the public.
Please join your neighbors, our regional partners and me, for:
3 Days-3 Ways, Are You Ready?
A Regional Disaster Preparedness Fair
October 21 and 22
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Additional Links can be found on the City's new Emergency page.