Are you prepared for a disaster? April’s the month to get ready

The City of Mountlake Terrace reminds us that April is Washington State Disaster Preparedness month. All citizens, government agencies, schools, and businesses are encouraged to review their response plans and procedures.

This advanced preparation could significantly reduce loss of life and property damage in an emergency. Everyone is vulnerable to disasters and should prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days following a disaster.

Disaster Preparedness Month activities will include a statewide earthquake drill between 9:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. on April 25. A regular monthly test of the Emergency Alert System will initiate the statewide drop, cover and hold earthquake drill.

As part of the campaign, emergency preparedness information will be sent to schools across Washington. Preparedness information for schools, businesses and homes also will be available in the “In Focus” section on the Washington Emergency Management Division’s website under “Preparedness” at www.emd.wa.gov.

During the month of April, the City of Mountlake Terrace will be participating in a performance-level training exercise with the Emergency Service Coordinating Agency in preparation for a full-scale earthquake exercise in June.

More information on preparing for emergencies is available on the City website.

  1. A key part to disaster preparedness (and response and recovery) is to understand the risk/vulnerabilities that our community faces. If you do not understand the hazards and the risks they pose, then read the Mountlake Terrace annex to the North King and South Snohomish Counties Regional Mitigation Plan: https://www.esca1.com/data/_uploaded/file/mitigation_plan_2011/Section%20III%20-%20Mountlake%20Terrace%202011.pdf

    More important, hold our elected officials accountable to mitigate for these disasters so that the impacts are less and that our community works toward becoming a resilient community.

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