WHEREAS, On December 26, 2004, one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent history hit Southeast Asia; and
     WHEREAS, An earthquake, 9.0 in magnitude, centered underwater off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, triggered a tsunami that devastated the coastal areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Maldives; and
     WHEREAS, Approximately 200,000 people lost their lives; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State, specifically the Puget Sound Region, is projected to have a large earthquake in the foreseeable future; and
     WHEREAS, Disaster awareness and preparedness are important ways for local communities to address this threat; and
     WHEREAS, Puget Sound islands could be cut off as a result of a loss of ferry, utilities, and phone services; and
     WHEREAS, Mainland agencies and emergency services would be consumed with their own emergency needs; and
     WHEREAS, Puget Sound island residents would need enough food, clean water, medicine, and other critical supplies to survive for three to five days; and
     WHEREAS, Vashon Island's "unofficial Mayor," Melinda Sontegrath, and the Vashon Disaster Preparedness Coalition, a community-wide umbrella organization, are interested in drawing the attention of homeowners and businesses in taking upon themselves disaster awareness and preparedness; and
     WHEREAS, Over one hundred fifty dedicated volunteers have already joined this effort; and
     WHEREAS, Raising awareness about disaster preparedness can save lives and property and prevent human suffering; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature values and encourages outstanding public contributions in all fields of endeavor;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor the Vashon Disaster Preparedness Coalition for its foresight, dedication, and contributions to public safety; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk to Melinda Sontegrath and the Vashon Disaster Preparedness Coalition.