Make a Community Plan

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Neighborhoods that are prepared for emergencies and disaster situations save lives, reduce the severity of injuries and trauma and reduce property damage. In addition, contributing as an individual and working together as a team helps develop stronger communities and improve the quality of life in the community.

Disasters are major events that can strike anywhere and at anytime. In a disaster, traditional 911 and first responder capabilities such as fire, police, emergency medical services and utility personnel will be overwhelmed and unable to immediately assist individuals.

In a disaster, your most immediate source of help are the neighbors living around you. Take action today; go say hi!

Preparing your neighborhood is vital. Neighbors will likely be each other’s first responders! Neighbors that are prepared are more effective in their response to a disaster and have an increased capacity to be self-sufficient as well as help each other.

Other Community Preparedness groups:

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
Citizens Corps Partners (CERT, Fire Corps, Neighborhood Watch, Medical Reserve Corps, Volunteers in Police Service, Corporation for National and Community Service)
Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare (SNAP)
Seattle Emergency Hubs

Three Steps to Preparedness

Know your Hazards & Reduce Risk	Make Plans	Gather Supplies
Individuals and families who know the hazards where they live, work, learn, and play can take specific actions to help them survive during and after a disaster.	Having plans in advance for how to communicate, evacuate and reunify with your loved ones will help lessen the stress of disaster, reduce injury and even save lives. Consider talking to schools, workplaces, assisted living facilities and other places you frequent to know their emergency plans.	Every household should have a go-bag for each family member/pet and at least two weeks worth of supplies at home.