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Disaster news and links of interest for Vashonites
By John Cornelison on 12/21/2021 12:22 PM
National Preparedness Report- Executive SummaryFEMA released the 10th annual 2021 National Preparedness Report (NPR).

This year's report presents preparedness data through the lens of risks and capabilities and underscores the challenges that emergency managers face in addressing a continuously...
By John Cornelison on 11/18/2021 7:08 PM
SEATTLE — Together, FEMA and Bonneville Seattle have completed an important modernization at the emergency radio broadcast facility at Bonneville International’s KIRO-AM 710 in Seattle. This modernization project improves emergency alert systems that provide critical alerts and warnings to the public.The KIRO-AM facility serves as a Primary Entry Point (PEP) station for FEMA’s National Public Warning System (NPWS), maintained under FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), and provides critical information to the public before, during and after incidents and disasters.Under the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act enacted in 2015, Congress required FEMA to upgrade PEP stations across the country to ensure continuity of terrestrial broadcast services under all hazards. PEP stations are specially designated NPWS broadcast stations that serve as the primary intake source of initial broadcasts for a national alert. FEMA equips these stations, which are operated by local station...
By John Cornelison on 9/22/2021 7:43 AM
Region10CerTNational Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.

This week’s theme for National Preparedness is Engage Your Community on Preparedness.

Preparedness is for everyone. There are many ways to engage your family, friends, neighbors, community, and volunteer groups on preparedness.

Go to https://vashonbeprepared.org/Help-Out/Volunteer to get involved!

Youth are leaders in preparedness. Over the past year, the FEMA Region 10 Youth Preparedness Council...
By John Cornelison on 9/3/2021 8:03 PM
from: https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/king-county-sheriffs-office-launches-new-phone-appKING COUNTY, Wash. — Community members in King County will now be able to submit tips, access inmate information, research sex offenders in their area and more with just a click away on their smartphones.On Thursday, King County Sheriff Mitzi G. Johanknecht announced a new smartphone app for the King County Sheriff’s Office.The app will help connect the community with the sheriff’s office and send out information to anyone with a smartphone.“Open and accurate communication are the fundamentals of transparency, which in turn builds trust with the communities we serve,” said Johanknecht. “Our new mobile app gives us a better way to alert, inform and prepare the public. We even have weather alerts.”The app provides access to information of public interest:Submit a tip Meet the Sheriff Access COVID-19 resources Receive push notifications...
By John Cornelison on 9/1/2021 9:47 AM
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-08/ready_npm_instagram_spanish.pngThis week focuses on making an emergency plan. You are encouraged to do the following this week:

Talk with loved ones about the types of disasters that can impact you. This can be a conversation around the dinner table or a zoom call.Plan how to contact one another and have an out-of-area contact. Remember texts are more likely to go through over calls. Know how you and your loved ones will reconnect if separated. Consider the specific needs in your household when making your plan, including disabilities or accesses and functional needs, medical equipment, medications, etc. Practice your plan with everyone involved including your pets! Find additional activities on Ready.gov. Virtual Sessions In partnership with the state emergency management...
By John Cornelison on 8/31/2021 11:01 AM
Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign uses this time to encourage people to take steps to prepare for disasters and emergencies that could happen anywhere and at any time. This year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect.”Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love. Act now to prepare yourself and your family before disaster strikes.Throughout the month, weekly themes will be used to highlight basic preparedness activities that everyone can do, including:· Week 1, Sept. 1-4: Make A Plan· Week 2, Sept. 5-11: Build A Kit· Week 3, Sept. 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness· Week 4, Sept. 19-25: Teach Children...
By John Cornelison on 8/13/2021 1:45 PM
King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts has issued a Stage 2 burn ban for unincorporated King County, which prohibits all outdoor recreational fires. Outdoor cooking and heating appliances are restricted to approved manufactured gas and charcoal units only.The Stage 2 burn ban goes into effect immediately for King County, which was already in a Stage 1 burn ban. King County’s ban is in coordination with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and Fire Marshals, which extends the ban into cities.During a Stage 2 burn ban, any outdoor fire such as a backyard fire pit or campfire using chopped firewood or charcoal is prohibited. Under the ban, any person with a recreational fire who fails to take immediate action to extinguish or discontinue when ordered or notified to do so can be charged with, up to and including, a misdemeanor.Manufactured portable outdoor devices are allowed, including barbeques...
By John Cornelison on 8/12/2021 3:20 PM

According to Cliff Mass, we’ve smoke in our future, at least thru Saturday.

https://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-smoke-storm-is-about-to-hit.html

By John Cornelison on 8/9/2021 7:41 PM
Vashon COVID Update:

Delta Wave of COVID Has Taken Hold on Vashon --

Vaccination Has Been Working

This is a COVID Update from Vashon Medical Reserve Corps and VashonBePrepared.Vashon COVID cases have jumped significantly over the last six weeks. After staying flat at 121 cases through June, Vashon's total pandemic case count has jumped to 138. Cases on Vashon have been increasing at the rate of about one per day. Roughly one-fifth of the cases are in kids, 11 years and younger, who are not yet eligible for vaccination. With the Delta variant being dominant, in this wave, kids are much more likely to display symptoms than before. Fortunately, vaccination has been working and we have not had a massive spike on Vashon like the one experienced in November and December before vaccination was available. Vashon has not had a new hospitalization since January. Vaccinated individuals who become ill generally have mild symptoms as predicted by the vaccine clinical trials and they continue to be protected...
By John Cornelison on 7/28/2021 4:30 PM
Even in temperate western Washington it can take only a few sunny days for forests to dry out enough to catch fire. And, in windy conditions wildfires can get out of control quickly. Wildfires burn every year in east King County. Before wildfire strikes, homeowners can help protect lives and property by creating a fire-adapted space around structures.Top 8 tips for maintaining a wildfire safety zone in the 30 feet around your homeRemove all dead plant material from around your home. Rake up dry leaves (under decks and porches too!) and move firewood away from the house. Keep your roof and gutters clear of flammable debris.Place a 3 to 5-foot swath of gravel or stones around the foundation of your home instead of flammable mulch.Prune branches that overhang or touch the house. Take out "ladder fuels," vegetation between grass and treetops that can carry fire between foliage and structures.  Keep blowing embers out of your house. Cover exterior vents with fine (1/8-inch) mesh. Store flammable materials, including...
By John Cornelison on 7/26/2021 3:16 PM
The Vashon Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and VashonBePrepared are working closely with an island business to contain a potentially significant COVID exposure event.

An employee at Fair Isle Animal Clinic tested positive for COVID yesterday, Sunday, July 25th.  As a safety measure, Fair Isle has now taken a number of steps to make sure everyone stays safe. For example, Fair Isle had reopened its doors a few weeks ago but today reverted to curbside service as a way to prevent spread of COVID.

"There's nothing more important than keeping our patients, clients and staff safe. We are here for the health of Vashon and its animals," said Dr. Dana Ness, the owner of Fair Isle Animal Clinic. "We are following all guidelines and are very grateful to MRC, the EOC and VashonBePrepared for their technical assistance in this effort and their many months of experience with the pandemic. We are especially grateful for the way the people of Vashon are pulling together to support everyone...
By John Cornelison on 7/21/2021 3:53 PM
imageIn response to the impacts of COVID-19, Drive-In Wi-Fi Hotspots provide free temporary, emergency internet access for Washingtonians who do not have broadband service to their homes.Washington Wi-Fi Finder:https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

Seattle residents can also find additional indoor locations at: http://www.seattle.gov/tech/services/internet-access/free-public-wi-fi

In...
By John Cornelison on 7/17/2021 12:04 PM
imageA new web application from ESRI provides a nice visual overlay to the latest ocean flooding scenarios – including Seattle and by inference, Vashon too.

https://apl.esri.com/jg/hightideflooding/ is the web site which states:

High tide flooding today mostly affects low-lying and exposed assets or infrastructure, such as roads, harbors, beaches, public storm-, waste- and fresh-water systems and private and commercial properties.  Due to rising relative sea level (RSL), more and more cities are becoming increasingly exposed and evermore vulnerable to high tide flooding, which is rapidly increasing in frequency, depth...
By John Cornelison on 7/14/2021 1:27 PM
Number of Reported COVID Cases Among Fully Vaccinated Continues to Climb • Children's Health Defense

July 14: COVID-19 is on the rise in King County and Vashon's case count has jumped by four cases in the last several days to a total of 125 since the pandemic began last year. That remains a good record compared to the other King County communities, an infection rate about one-third of the county as a whole. However, the trends are cause for concern and one of the new Vashon cases gives us an important reality check, a breakthrough infection of a vaccinated patient."We may feel we are done with COVID, but COVID isn't done with us. We still have COVID on Vashon," explained Dr. Zach Miller, an infectious disease expert and leader of the...
By John Cornelison on 7/2/2021 7:49 PM
Prevent Vashon Wildfires

The fourth of July is this Sunday and proper use and management of fireworks is important.Here are a few things to remember on the 4th:

Please use only legal fireworks.If it goes up in the air or explodes, it's illegal. No bottle rockets or firecrackers.Consumer fireworks permitted in King County Only on July 4th 9:00 AM ‘til midnight.Have responsible adults light fireworksand keep kids at a safe distance.Move away quickly after lighting and wear eye protection.Have a water hose ready to squirt, plus a bucket of water to soak used fireworks.Use fireworks...
By John Cornelison on 6/28/2021 7:22 AM
Keeping your cool in hot weather | News And Information | Oklahoma State UniversityWeather forecasters predict today will be hotter than yesterday and likely to set new records for high temperatures, the highest ever experienced in the Puget Sound area, including Vashon. Vashon will hit a high of well over 100 degrees with the National Weather Service suggesting the possibility of a high temperature on Vashon of 112 degrees.Three air conditioned cooling center locations are available today on Vashon, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Masks and social distancing are required. Here are the three locations... - Vashon Library, in town at 17210 Vashon Highway, at Ober Park.In addition, VashonBePrepared has arranged for two more cooling centers where...
By John Cornelison on 6/26/2021 6:32 AM
Anaheim cooling centers open during heat wave | Orange County BreezeAn extended heat wave is affecting Vashon and the rest of the Puget Sound this weekend with  high temperatures that could exceed 110 degrees by Monday.Three air conditioned cooling center locations are available on Vashon, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm each day. Masks and social distancing are required.The lobby of Vashon Center for the Arts, south of town at 19600 Vashon Highway at the intersection with Cemetery Road. Open all three days, through Monday.Subway restaurant, in town at 17408 Vashon Highway one block north of the intersection with Bank Road. Open all three days, through Monday.Vashon Library, in town at 17210 Vashon Highway, at Ober Park. Open Saturday and Monday, closed...
By John Cornelison on 6/25/2021 4:48 PM
Michelle_Bates_Photo_Of_the_Vashon MRC_&_CERT_Volunteers · VashonBePrepared's Emergency Operations Center was activated 67 weeks ago (471 days) to respond to what became a global pandemic.· Our emergency response team with the help of many Island and County partners achieved remarkable results to help communicate, support, and assist Vashonites.· Based on Public Health –Seattle & King County’s dashboard, Vashon had 121 residents test positive for the COVID-19 virus. That is 11.2 cases per 1,000 residents, compared to...
By John Cornelison on 6/25/2021 3:35 PM
 10 Ways To Conserve Water - Save Water on Earth - DON'T WASTE !! Initiate With Me... and all year long!

Water only when the yard or garden needs water, focusing on the root zone. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.Water slowly and thoroughly in the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. Use a kitchen or portable timer when using the hose as a reminder to turn it off or purchase an inexpensive hose timer.Let grass grow taller in hot weather to preserve moisture.Use mulch in the garden and around shrubs to save moisture.Plant native plants and shrubs that don't need a lot of water.Consider alternatives to big, thirsty lawns.Water trees slowly, deeply, and infrequently to encourage...
By John Cornelison on 6/25/2021 1:07 PM
Social Services | Prince George's County, MDThere are two air conditioned cooling center locations on Vashon Island, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday through Monday. Masks and social distancing are required at both of these locations.

The lobby of Vashon Center for the Arts, south of town at 19600 Vashon Highway at the intersection with Cemetery Road.Subway restaurant, in town at 17408 Vashon Highway one block north of the intersection with Bank Road.Both locations are offering free water or soft drinks to cooling center drop ins. Folks in need of transportation to reach the cooling centers can arrange a trip by contacting Vashon Community Van at 206-263-5901 or email communityvan@kingcounty.gov, or go online to:

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/programs/vashon-community-van.aspxAlthough...
By John Cornelison on 6/25/2021 8:45 AM

This morning’s briefings included these slides that may be of interest…

NWS_Calls_To_ActionNWS_Weather_Timeline

By John Cornelison on 6/25/2021 8:03 AM
King_County_Heat_MapAn extended heat wave will affect Vashon and the rest of the Puget Sound this weekend with  high temperatures above 105 degrees predicted Sunday and Monday.Heat waves can be dangerous for elders, infants, people on medications, and people with health conditions that increase heat sensitivity, so it's important to take sensible precautions to avoid heat-related illness. Here are some tips to beat the heat from Public Health -- Seattle & King County and VashonBePrepared.... Minimize physical...
By John Cornelison on 4/29/2021 6:23 AM

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a new amendment into law on Tuesday, and it will take effect 7/25/21.

Here’s the link to the formal wording and the RCW citation for future reference. http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1209-S.SL.pdf#page=1

Remember this is the section that applies to people helping their neighbors in a “it’s a disaster” situation, not the people who have protections as a Registered Emergency Worker (their coverage is in a different section).

Our appreciation to West Seattle Be Prepared neighbor Cindi Barker for her efforts to get this passed in this year’s busy legislative session.

By John Cornelison on 4/27/2021 9:23 AM
Click map for a larger version

In January, the Washington Geological Survey (WGS) published a new set of maps derived from their “inundation models […] based on the shape of the ocean floor, the topography of the land, and the expected size and shape of tsunami waves. These properties are derived from what we know about past earthquakes and tsunamis that are found in the geologic record of the Pacific Northwest. The result of the modeling is a series of maps that show the expected depth of water and the speed of the currents from an earthquake-generated tsunami.”Click here to download DNR’s...
By John Cornelison on 3/23/2021 6:48 AM
A new report from the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations paints a somber picture for agrarian communities.

Reportedly, disasters happen three times more often today, than in the 1970s and 1980s. Agriculture absorbs a disproportionate 63 per cent share of their impact, compared to other sectors, such as tourism, commerce and industry.

New hazards such as megafires, extreme weather, unusually large desert locust swarms, and emerging biological threats threaten agri-food systems.

Abstract

On top of a decade of exacerbated disaster loss, exceptional global heat, retreating ice and rising sea levels, humanity and our food security face a range of new and unprecedented hazards, such as megafires, extreme weather events, desert locust swarms of magnitudes previously unseen, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Agriculture underpins the livelihoods of over 2.5 billion people – most of them in low-income developing...
By John Cornelison on 3/19/2021 9:36 AM
Washington Good Samaritan law protects the general public during some activities even outside declared emergencies. Some aspects of the law are being reconsidered:The current Washington State Good Samaritan Law covers only medical aid given in times of a disaster. There is no provision for the general population to have Good Samaritan protection should they want to help their neighbors in the response to a significant event outside of a clear medical context.In 2021, a new bill has been sponsored to add an addition to the existing law and is currently moving through the House. The requested addition extends the existing law to include non-medical aid given in times of disaster. Important note: this would be beneficial in response to all hazards, including flooding, landslides, and wildfires, and is not specific only to an earthquake scenario.Key Points:Emergency Managers throughout the State of Washington work to help their residents prepare for disaster and build community resilience as their resources will be...
By John Cornelison on 2/23/2021 9:26 AM
For this Sunday’s 20th anniversary of the Nisqually Earthquake, the University of Washington has created created a simulation based on that historic quake.

They will use this simulation as an initial test of the region’s new Early Earthquake Warning System.

You can learn how to opt-in to these new alerts by going to: https://mil.wa.gov/alerts

To receive this test message, you need to:Be physically located in King, Pierce or Thurston counties Have WEA 2.0 or 3.0 capable devices that are powered on Have OPTED IN to receive WEA test messagesGet InvolvedAfter opting in, we invite you to provide feedback — including reporting whether and how the test alert was delivered to your device.Sign up here to join a virtual WEA Watch Party...
By John Cornelison on 1/20/2021 9:10 AM

The EOC is trying hard to keep the vaccination information page updated at: https://vashonbeprepared.org/COVID-Vaccine.

Please take note that the Pharmacy operation is going to get a lot of attention because it's convenient and open wide. But other options do exist, including Sea Mar and Vashon Natural Medicine as well as a number of mainland operations...everything from Kaiser, to CVS and Safeway Pharmacy, etc.

Please know this: For some time to come the demand will exceed the available supply being allocated by the federal government and thus available to the state Department of Health.

And...one last thing...gigantic shoutout to Sea Mar. They got 120 doses initially. And they spent the last week searching out Phase 1A eligible folks and calling them in to their clinic to get vaccinated...health care providers, dentists, first responders, etc., etc.

That's real community sharing!

- Rick Wallace

By John Cornelison on 9/9/2020 6:28 PM

Here is a fire and smoke map that updates hourly using a variety of sources, including satellite.

It’s centered on Oregon when you first pull it up, but if you scroll up you’ll find Washington. You can see the Sumner Grade Fire in Bonney Lake and the newer fire southeast of Enumclaw.

If you zoom out, you can clear see the entire west coast on fire. ☹

https://data.statesmanjournal.com/fires/

By John Cornelison on 9/2/2020 2:21 PM
TalesFromTheEdgeThe Double Disaster: When the pandemic struck, it quickly became clear that our island community faced two emergencies. First, there was the need to fight the disease, help people understand how to keep themselves and their families safe. Second, our community was being hit by a devastating economic and emotional disaster.Islanders at Emotional Risk: At peak, a quarter of all Vashon workers had applied for unemployment benefits. A Chamber of Commerce survey showed that 40% of our businesses went dark. Schools sent kids home. Hundreds of families are worrying...
By John Cornelison on 6/8/2020 1:53 PM
The following statement has been approved by a majority of VashonBePrepared Board Members. Thanks to our President Vicky de Monterey Richoux for crafting this.

In recent weeks we've witnessed devastating news of yet more innocent Black people being killed by police. Use of undue force has been used against peaceful protestors while they were exercising their First Amendment rights, further inflaming the situation. These events occur not in a time of relative political, economic, and social ease, but after months of fears, tensions, illnesses and deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Systemic racism combines with the COVID-19 pandemic, or any type of disaster, to result in far more dire outcomes for people of color, including:

History shows that, following any disaster, our most vulnerable neighbors...
By John Cornelison on 5/31/2020 12:15 PM
The following is a great post recommended by Vashon’s Jinna Risdal, PhD, and the original link (with diagrams) is at:

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

Updated: May 20

Please read this link to learn about the author and background to these posts.It seems many people are breathing some relief, and I’m not sure why. An epidemic curve has a relatively predictable upslope and once the peak is reached, the back slope can also be predicted. We have robust data from the outbreaks in China and Italy, that shows the backside of the mortality curve declines slowly, with deaths persisting for months. Assuming we have just crested in deaths at 70k, it is possible that we lose another 70,000 people over the next 6 weeks as we come off that peak. That's what's going to happen with a lockdown. As states reopen, and we give the virus more fuel, all bets are off. I...
By John Cornelison on 5/26/2020 2:39 PM
· Registration has started for reopening workshops being put on by the Chamber of Commerce. Fifteen of the workshops have been scheduled over the next two weeks. They are designed to aid local businesses and organizations open up under the Phase 2 safety conditions set by the Governor. The planning workshops will help businesses reduce risk to staff, ensure customers feel safe and secure, and give business operators confidence that they are following best practices to protect our community’s health. The free workshops are offered by Vashon Chamber of Commerce and are being funded by VashonBePrepared. Each participant will receive a toolkit that will including masks (provided by Masks for Vashon), sanitizer, floor signs for six foot distancing, and signage for the establishment's safety commitments. One option in the free toolkit will be plexiglass sneeze shields fabricated by volunteers from the Makerspace/Tool Library group. Visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/re-opening-round-tables/...
By John Cornelison on 5/22/2020 3:26 PM
The following is a collection of thank you notes that the community has sent to VashonBeprepared! We are honored to be recognized.

P.R.That is outstanding news! Makes me feel even better than ever about living on Vashon. Together, we will make it through!

Y.M.(volunteer too!)That's amazing we've raised that much amount in short time! And yes, the time people are giving to help others are wonderful. I'm grateful for the Vashon community.

M.M.P.Thank you for the incredible work you are all doing. The daily bulletin alone is a huge effort and representative of so much of your work. We are so lucky to live on this beautiful island!

L.G.I am pleased to hear that over $200,000 has been raised so far. It is my privilege to be in a position to help islanders and our community.

...
By John Cornelison on 5/7/2020 1:39 PM
The White House attempted to bury CDC’s scientific guidance, but it was made public though a leak.

Here is the full text of the Draft COVID-19 reopening guidance from CDC, titled “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework”. Or as a PDF document.



Interim Guidance for Child Care Programs The reopening of child care programs is crucial to helping parents and guardians return to work. Many States have closed schools for the academic year and, with summer quickly approaching, an increasing number of working parents may need to rely on these programs. CDC’s Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs and supplemental Guidance for Child...
By John Cornelison on 5/3/2020 8:11 AM
imageIn talking to each other, we can help ourselves and each other, even at a distance.

I am moved to action by the words of spiritual care provider Tom Craighead, a retired Episcopal Priest/Social Worker:

I think of countless souls who simply need someone to be with and hear them. Facing an uncertain future or the threat of loss, many people instinctively want to talk. They may not know what they need. They might need to vent, to feel their anger, fear, or grief by speaking it. Talking helps them find their emotional footing. It often helps ground and calms them. Talking can also reconnect a person with themselves,...
By John Cornelison on 4/30/2020 10:17 AM


imageIn this time of uncertainty, it may be difficult to find the support you need to take care of your families. Fortunately, many government programs have expanded their eligibility requirements due to the coronavirus pandemic. For a full list of state programs that you may qualify for, fill out this survey on Washington Connection. If you are looking for one of the following specific services, please download the King County COVID-19 Resource Guide...
By John Cornelison on 4/29/2020 6:56 AM
clip_image002From Public Health – Seattle & King County yesterday comes the following insight into our short term future with regards to social distancing.

How long will social distancing continue? •The modeling done by IHME at the University of Washington is somewhat reassuring, but the conclusions are not certain.•It doesn’t show what happens if people stop complying or are not as effective as they assume.​•Our success at distancing has limited the number of people that have been infected, and that also means most of us remain susceptible to the virus.•If...
By John Cornelison on 4/28/2020 7:00 AM
Vashon has been struck by a silent, devastating earthquake.More than 1,000 of our neighbors have lost their jobs.4 out of 10 Vashon businesses have shut down & many may never open again.Our cherished nonprofits are struggling to feed and shelter our most vulnerable.Click Here for the Relief Fund Giving Page. We Must Act Now to Save the Vashon We Love.Responding and recovering from this crisis will require a major long term recovery movement to make a big difference. The Vashon COVID Relief Fund aims to raise $425,000 for short and long term RELIEF and RECOVERY.We have already raised $170,000 and now it’s your turn.Our island community needs your help. The...
By John Cornelison on 4/24/2020 9:38 AM
Vashon’s second COVID-19 Town Hall will take place Saturday, April 25, from 10 am to 11:30 am. It will have a panel of island experts joining Fire Chief Charlie Krimmert and leaders of the all-volunteer Vashon Emergency Operations Center to answer questions about COVID-19 and the island’s response to layoffs, business closures, food availability, testing, transportation issues and what happens when Stay Home restrictions ease.  View the Town Hall live in English at http://Facebook.com/backbonevashon/live or http://Vashonresilience.org,...
By John Cornelison on 4/22/2020 2:40 PM

Vashon Town Hall: The next island wide COVID-19 Briefing and Town Hall will be on Saturday April 25th from 10-11:30am. A live Spanish translation will be available. Work continues on technology to support the town hall online viewing, instructions will be released tomorrow. In advance of the meeting, please send your questions to townhallquestions@vashonbeprepared.org

By John Cornelison on 4/21/2020 2:59 PM

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held Thursday April 22nd from 9-9:45am, the topic will be Grant Writing in a Nutshell presented by Allison Shirk. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/

By John Cornelison on 4/21/2020 2:45 PM

Emergency Funds ($500) for Food Service Workers - The Plate Fund is distributing $500 grants to King County food service workers who have experienced a reduction in hours or been laid off.

http://theplatefund.com/apply

By John Cornelison on 4/20/2020 2:41 PM

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held Tuesday, April 21st from 9-9:45am, the Chat will be an Open Forum discussion on challenges facing Tenants and Landlords. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/.

By John Cornelison on 4/16/2020 8:59 AM

SBA announced that it is out funds after only two weeks, and is not accepting applications from small businesses.  1,637,000 applications valued at $339 Billion were accepted.  This affects island business looking for relief through Payroll Protection Program.  Applications for the PPP funds commenced April 3.  Applicants were initially taken only from for profit entities.  Nonprofits applications followed the following week.

Congress continues to debate additional funding.

-- From Sam Williams

By John Cornelison on 4/15/2020 7:24 PM

For Vashon Nonprofit organizations: The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held on Thursday April 16th, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The topic will be the new federal Payroll Protection Program and other aid that can help non-profit organizations with Jay Williamson and Lynn Greiner. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/.

By John Cornelison on 4/14/2020 6:00 PM
The following is from the Washington Employment Security Department

1. Find out what you’re eligible for.  Visit esd.wa.gov/unemployment and download the eligibility checker.  Eligible for regular unemployment insurance (UI)? Apply as soon as possible!  Before you...
By John Cornelison on 4/13/2020 3:42 PM
Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-Employed: April 14th (Tuesday) 9:00 am - 9:45 amVashon Island Chamber Chat COVID-19 Business Resource SeriesThe Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the EOC is hosting a series of webinars focused on issues facing our business community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chamber Chat COVID-19 Business Resource Series #4: Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-EmployedDeborah Diamond, retired IRS Governmental Liaison, will review the federal Tax Stimulus payments for individuals, provide an overview of unemployment options (standby/furloughed/laid offs) and discuss the employers' role. Review how to prepare an expanded benefit application for self-employed and 1099 workers.Learn More/Register https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg…...
By John Cornelison on 4/6/2020 2:50 PM

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held on Tuesday, April 7th from 9-9:45am.

Tuesday's topic is An Accountant’s Perspective on Payroll, FMLA and SBA Loans with Chris Hunt.

For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/.

On Thursday April 9th the topic will be Setting Up an Online Store & Getting the Word Out w/ Katie Hermanns.

By John Cornelison on 4/4/2020 4:41 PM
Vashon Island residents will have access to COVID-19 testing for residents whose medical care provider – on or off island - has referred them for a test. Testing will start April 7th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. operating on weekdays as the availability of testing materials allows.The Vashon Covid-19 Testing Project will use a simplified procedure that minimizes exposure of patients and volunteer staff and the need for precious personal protective equipment. Vashon Island is particularly at risk because clinics and first responders have limited capacity, the island lacks an urgent care clinic or emergency room, and there are many high-risk residents. Testing focuses public health efforts on isolating and supporting infected individuals so they do not infect others. “Testing helps us identify who has the virus. Once we know who has the virus, we can contact others who have been exposed and test any of those with symptoms. The providers who make the referral are a critical part of this tracking. This is the fastest and...

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