King County Council encourages locals to increase their preparedness for disasters

Today is the first National Day of Action, a new community-based campaign to build a more secure and resilient nation by getting locals to understand the disasters that could happen in their communities and to take action in preparing emergency plans.

King County Council is encouraging locals to take part in the day and to ensure that their family has a plan to be executed in the case of an emergency.

This Naitonal Day of Action, which is sponsored by America’s PrepareAthon, focuses on national disasters that could occur in the spring including tornados, hurricanes, floods and wildfires.

“Taking a day to focus on being prepared for any emergency is good common sense”, said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “We never know when a natural disaster could strike our area and advance preparation could make a difference in someone’s survival.”

Over 5 million people have already signed up to take part in the National Day of Action, which consists of the following steps:

• Be Smart: Know your hazards in your community. Guides to learn how to prepare can be downloaded here.
• Take Part: Plan activities or take a few minutes to determine what you can do individually.
• Prepare: Practice a drill or have a discussion about preparedness. Participation can include being a part of community emergency planning, hazard-specific drills, group discussions, and exercises.

There is specific information and resources available for workplaces, houses of worship, community-based organizations, K-12 schools, institutions of higher learning, individuals and families on the website as well as a list of events scheduled.

“Disaster preparation is a smart move for all of us”, continues Lambert. “I know that I’ll be taking time today to review my personal safety plan and I hope everyone will also do the same.”