Getting prepared is well worth it.
Start with these basic steps:
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3Contacts & Emergency PlansCollect information about who to contact and where to go during emergencies.
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4Go Bags & Emergency SuppliesReview our gear checklists on this page and gather supplies to use at home or take with you if you need to leave.
Prepare in a Year
Follow the 12 steps to get prepared in a year:
1. Communications Plan
2. Action Plan
3. Water
4. Grab & Go Kit
5. Important Documents
6. 2 Weeks Ready
7. Fire Safety
8. Utility Safety
9. Under the Bed
10. Drop, Cover, and Hold On
11. Shelter in Place
12. Home Hazard Hunt
Preparedness Downloads & Checklists
- VashonBePrepared household checklist (PDF) – guide to preparing your home and stocking up on supplies.
- VashonBePrepared Go Kit & Car Kit (PDF) – guide to getting your go kits ready.
- Emergency contacts card (PDF) – have your contact numbers and vital information at the ready when you need them most.
- Emergency Documents Checklist – Make copies of your important papers (PDF)
- Household Readiness Backpack Brochure (PDF) – how to prepare and help out when disaster hits.
- Safe Drinking Water (PDF) – How to safely store water and treat water for use in emergencies (WA Department of Health).
- Airlift Northwest– Do I need air evacuation coverage? It’s a good idea for Vashon households to have this membership in addition to their medical insurance. Learn more.
Preparing with Children
Getting ready can be a family bondng experience, and an opportunity to talk with children about what to do when things do wrong.
The Sesame Workshop offers many guided activities along with videos.
More Preparedness Links
- Make It Through: King County’s preparedness site provides comprehensive regional information for individuals, businesses, schools, and community organizations. makeitthrough.org
- Disaster Ready Washington: Washington State’s emergency management and preparedness site. DisasterReadyWashington.com
- Ready.gov provides national level information for hazards and preparedness. ready.gov
- King County’s Office of Emergency Management provides details about many hazards we face: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/executive-services/governance-leadership/emergency-management