News

Use this section to get updates on what is happening in Seattle on matters relating to hazards and disasters. Events are posted on our calendar.

Note: during big events breaking news from the City of Seattle will go on the City's home page.

Online form available for victims of flooding to report damages
King County residents and business owners who sustained damage from the recent storms and flooding are encouraged to report uninsured property damages online. This information will be collected to determine if a request for federal disaster assistance can be made.

The online form can be accessed at: http://www.seattle.gov/emergency/regional/default.htm.
Posted: November 7th, 2008

NEW: Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Program
FEMA has released Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grants to the ten largest urban areas in the country. The City of Seattle Office of Emergency Management has stepped into a new leadership role to implement this Program in partnership with the larger Puget Sound regional colleagues. The Puget Sound Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Program (RCPP) is intended to enhance regional catastrophic preparedness, with the aim of strengthening the region against risks associated with catastrophic events. The Puget Sound Region includes the seven Puget Sound counties and select major cities located therein.

For more information on the program, go to http://your.kingcounty.gov/prepare/damage.

A telephone hotline to report damages will also be available next week to accommodate anyone without online access.
Posted: November 17th, 2008

Have You Ever Considered Flood Insurance?
Do you remember the urban flooding in the 2006 and 2007 winter storms? Now is the time for Seattle homeowners, renters and business owners to consider buying flood insurance to protect their property from the wet winter weather.

Flooding can affect any of us, even if we don't live in a flood plain. Without some pre-planning, recovery can be expensive. Typical homeowners and rental insurance policies don't cover flood damage, and FEMA disaster assistance is normally limited to low-interest loans. Flood insurance offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can be a cost-effective way to buy some additional protection. Policies for low-to-moderate risk areas may be more affordable than you think.

For more details, see the Washington State Emergency Management Division News Release (MS Word), or go directly to www.floodsmart.gov
Posted: September 30th, 2008

National Emergency Communications Plan Released
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released today the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized. The NECP is the nation's first strategic plan to improve emergency response communications, and complements overarching homeland security and emergency communications legislation, strategies and initiatives.
Posted: August 19th, 2008

National Emergency Housing Strategy Released
The National Disaster Housing Strategy (the Strategy) serves two purposes. First, it describes how we as a Nation currently provide housing to those affected by disasters. It summarizes, for the first time in a single document, the many sheltering and housing efforts we have in the United States and the broad array of organizations that are involved in managing these programs. The Strategy also outlines the key principles and policies that guide the disaster housing process.

Second, and more importantly, the Strategy charts the new direction that our disaster housing efforts must take if we are to better meet the emergent needs of disaster victims and communities. Today we face a wider range of hazards and potentially catastrophic events than we have ever faced before. These include terrorist attacks and major natural disasters that could destroy large sections of the Nation's infrastructure. This new direction must address the disaster housing implications of all these risks and hazards and, at the same time, guide development of essential, baseline capabilities to overcome existing limitations. The new direction for disaster housing must leverage emerging technologies and new approaches in building design to provide an array of housing options. It must also be cost effective and draw on lessons learned and best practices. Above all, this new direction must institutionalize genuine collaboration and cooperation among the various local, State, tribal, and Federal partners, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to meet the needs of all disaster victims.
Posted: August 19th, 2008

Donations encouraged, and cash works best
A great way to help disaster victims is through a financial contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which allows the Red Cross to provide immediate emergency assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters each year, such as the current flooding in Washington. Disaster victims need essential assistance right away, such as shelter, water, food, and mental health counseling.

The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund is the resource that allows the Red Cross to respond to anyone with disaster-caused needs, whenever and wherever a disaster occurs. American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate funds to a specific disaster, please indicate so when making your donation. Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org. You may also call 1-800-RED-CROSS OR 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).
Posted: December 5th, 2007

First Time Federal Money Available to Non-profits for Increased Security
Assistance now available to organizations at high risk of terrorist attack

SEATTLE - Up to $100,000 is now available to non-profit organizations which can show they are at high risk of terrorist attack. The money is available via a new grant program administered by the Urban Area Security Initiative, part of the Department of Homeland Security. Money may be used to purchase and install security equipment or to train security personnel.

Non-profit organizations must apply for the grant money and be able to show a need for increased security. This can involve producing police and insurance reports or experiencing prior threats and attacks. Grant recipients will be required to provide a 25 percent matching soft grant derived from non-federal sources. Applications are available at www.metrokc.gov/prepare.

Completed applications must be submitted via email to the Washington State Emergency Management Department by midnight June 15, 2007. Completed applications need to be sent to his.reporting@emd.wa.gov.

Federal funds will be awarded to the State of Washington, which will then be responsible for contracting directly with the qualifying non-profit agency.
Posted: May 11th, 2007

Lessons learned from December 2006 windstorm
will help improve Seattle's emergency response
Mayor Greg Nickels has released a detailed review of the city's response to the historic December 2006 windstorm and pledged to implement all of the report's key recommendations to help prepare even more effectively for future emergencies.

The 55-page December Storm After Action Report examines what worked well and provides lessons learned - information key to improving Seattle's emergency response capabilities. The report, which will be sent to the City Council, was developed by the departments and individuals who actually worked during and after the storm.
Posted: Febrary 28, 2007

Earthquake Protect Your Home!
Learn about the steps it takes to retrofit your home for an earthquake, especially if your house was built before 1980. Also you can learn how to secure heavy furniture and belongings in your home. State Farm and Lowe's has partnered with our office to provide citizens this helpful information. Come and learn how to take the steps to secure your important investment - your home. Get more information here.
Posted: Febrary 8, 2007