Resources for Emergency Preparedness in the Pacific Northwest.

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What you’ll find below are several resources organized by EVENT with details on how and when you’d engage them.

Contact Us

As always, if there are resources missing or accessibility improvements to be made, reach out and let us know!

National & Regional Response Partners

*Below you will find a breakdown of the primary agencies who prepare for, respond to, and assist with recovery from emergencies and disasters. This will include details on who they are, what services they provide, and links to webpages to find out more.

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  • -Has national and regional offices-

    Who They Are: The U.S. government's primary agency for leading and supporting disaster response, recovery, and mitigation efforts at a national level.

    Use Their Site For:

    • Downloading disaster-specific preparedness guides (e.g., for earthquakes, floods).

    • Signing up for emergency alerts via the FEMA app.

    • Understanding the types of federal disaster assistance available.

    When to Contact Them: After a presidentially-declared major disaster to apply for financial assistance for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

    Find Out More:

  • -Has national and regional offices-

    Who They Are: A humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education across the U.S. In the PNW, they are often on the front lines, setting up shelters after house fires, wildfires, and earthquakes.

    Use Their Site For:

    • Finding real-time open shelter locations during a disaster.

    • Learning first aid and CPR (especially useful for Cascadia Subduction Zone preparedness).

    • Accessing free preparedness guides for PNW-specific risks.

    When to Contact Them: If you have been displaced by a disaster and need immediate shelter, food, health, or mental health services.

    Find Out More:

  • -Has national and regional offices-

    Who They Are: Manages national forests and grasslands. In the PNW, they are a key agency for wildfire response, prevention, and public safety in forested areas.

    Use Their Site For:

    • Checking for active wildfires and prescribed burn announcements on public lands.

    • Finding campfire restrictions and current wildfire danger levels.

    • Understanding recreational access closures during fire season.

    When to Contact Them: To report a wildfire on public land or to get specific information about conditions in a national forest you plan to visit.

    Find Out More:

  • -Has national and regional offices-

    Who They Are: The primary source for official weather forecasts, warnings, watches, and advisories in the United States. For the PNW, their forecasts are critical for flood, windstorm, and extreme heat events.

    Use Their Site For:

    • Monitoring Atmospheric River and Pineapple Express events that cause flooding.

    • Getting detailed forecasts for mountain passes and coastal areas.

    • Viewing radar and satellite loops to track storms in real-time.

    When to Contact Them: You don't typically "contact" them. Use their website and NOAA Weather Radio as your 24/7 source for life-saving weather alerts.

    Find Out More:

  • -Has national and regional offices-

    Who They Are: Coordinates preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts throughout Washington State. They are the central hub for state-level disaster information.

    Use Their Site For:

    • Signing up for WA State Alert System (ALERTWA) for localized emergency notifications.

    • Accessing the "2 Weeks Ready" guide for Cascadia Subduction Zone preparedness.

    • Finding resources for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

    When to Contact Them: For questions about state-level resources and programs, especially if local resources are overwhelmed.

    Find Out More:

  • Who They Are: Oregon's central agency for coordinating emergency management and building resilience across the state.

    Use Their Site For:

    • Signing up for OR Alert for public safety notifications in your county.

    • Accessing the "2 Weeks Ready" preparedness program tailored for Oregonians.

    • Finding information on earthquake, tsunami, and wildfire risk in Oregon.

    When to Contact Them: For assistance with state-level disaster recovery programs or if you cannot get help from your county emergency manager.

    Find Out More:

  • Who They Are: Your county and city emergency management offices are your most important local contacts. They manage evacuations, open local shelters, and provide hyper-local information during a disaster.

    Use Their Site For:

    • Signing up for hyper-local alert systems (e.g., King County ALERT, Pierce County ALERT, Multnomah County Emergency Alerts).

    • Finding your neighborhood's specific evacuation routes and shelter locations.

    • Learning about community-specific hazards (like local landslide risk or flood zones).

    When to Contact Them: Before a disaster to ask about local preparedness programs and sign up for alerts. During a disaster, follow their instructions via official channels.

    Find Out More:

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Who to call and when

In a large-scale emergency, it’s common to see different emergency response teams working side-by-side... Understanding how these groups work together can help you know what to expect—and who to turn to—for help.
– Adapted from Collaborating 4 Inclusion

🚨 For Any Life-Threatening Emergency: Dial 911

Call for immediate help from police, fire, or emergency medical services.

Red neon sign reading "Emergency Use Only."

Situation

  • Active, Immediate Danger
    (Fire, medical crisis, crime in progress)

  • Large-Scale Disaster
    (Major wildfire, earthquake, flood)

  • Non-Emergency Help
    (Downed tree blocking road, information about shelters)

What to Expect When You Call 911

  • Stay Calm: The dispatcher is there to help you.

  • Location First: They will ask for the location of the emergency first. Be as specific as possible, If you have the address of where the emergency is, that’s really helpful!

  • What Happened: They will then ask for the nature of the emergency. They’re asking what happened and why you need someone to help.

  • Follow Instructions: They are trained to give you life-saving instructions until help arrives. Listen carefully. If you need accommodations here let them know!

  • For Non-Speaking or Speech-Disabled Individuals: *If you can, text 911 (check if your area supports this). If not, and you are safe, try to have a pre-written note or an AAC app ready to describe the emergency.*

Who to Call / What To Expect

  • 911
    (Local Police, Fire, EMTs)

  • 911 (if life-threatening) AND Local Emergency Management

  • Local Non-Emergency Line
    (e.g., 311 or police business line)

Why & What to Know

  • Dispatchers will send the closest appropriate local team.

  • Local resources may be overwhelmed. Response becomes a coordinated effort between local, state, and federal teams (like FEMA and the Red Cross)

  • Keeps 911 lines clear for true emergencies. Use this for situations that need official help but are not immediately life-threatening.

Pro-Tip: Program your county's non-emergency number and office of emergency management into your phone now.

You won't want to search for it during a crisis.

Other Essential Emergency Supports & Resources

This directory includes specialized tools, hazard-specific information, and long-term recovery supports that are crucial for comprehensive preparedness and resilience.

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Communication & Alert Tools

  • What It Is: A free, award-winning mobile app that uses picture-based screens to facilitate communication between emergency responders and people who have difficulty hearing, speaking, or understanding.

    Use It For: Communicating crucial needs (e.g., "I use a wheelchair," "I am diabetic," "I need my medication") without relying on speech during a high-stress situation.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: A national service that allows you to create a free, secure Safety Profile for your household. This profile is automatically displayed to 911 dispatchers when you call from a registered phone.

    Use It For: Providing critical information before an emergency happens, such as medical conditions, disabilities, pets in the home, and emergency contacts. This helps responders arrive prepared.

    Important Note: This is a free public service for citizens. Check availability in your area.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: A subscription-based remote support service that uses sensors and check-ins to promote independence for individuals living alone.

    Use It For: Providing peace of mind for individuals and their families through automated activity monitoring and remote wellness checks.

    Important Note: There are functional eligibility requirements, and the cost may be covered by Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: Alternative methods for contacting emergency services if you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.

    Use It For: Reaching 911 when a voice call is not possible or effective.

    Key Options:

    • Text-to-911: Send a text message to 911 (availability varies by location).

    • TTY/TDD: Use a teletypewriter device to dial 911 directly.

    • Relay Services (711): Dial 711 to be connected with a relay operator who can contact 911 for you.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: An app specifically designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals that provides customizable vibration patterns and strobe light alerts for emergency notifications.

    Why It's a Good Fit: Directly addresses the need for multi-sensory alerts that you emphasize. It's a great example of a tool designed for a specific need that has broad applications (e.g., for anyone who needs a stronger alert).

    Find Out More: DEAS Foundation

  • What It Is: While you have the main sign-up pages, you could add a note or link about the accessibility features of these specific systems. For example, confirming they support TTY/TDD and provide information on how to ensure alerts are received in accessible formats.

    Why It's a Good Fit: Reinforces the "know your system" message and provides practical, local-level detail that is immediately actionable for your audience.

    Find Out More: You could link directly to the accessibility or FAQ section of your local alert system's website.

  • Whistles & Air Horns:

    • What It Is: The simplest, most reliable alerting devices available.

    • Why It's a Good Fit: A crucial backup for anyone who may be unable to shout for help (due to speech disabilities, respiratory issues, or being trapped). They are inexpensive, never need charging, and can be heard over long distances.

    • How to Include: You could add a small "Low-Tech Essentials" bullet point within the accordion that mentions keeping a whistle on a keychain or in every go-bag.

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Recovery & Long-Term Support

  • What It Is: Limited financial assistance programs for individuals who die without the resources to cover burial or cremation costs.

    Use It For: Understanding the very limited options available and the eligibility requirements for state and local assistance programs.

    Find Out More:

    • People's Memorial Association (WA): Financial Assistance Programs

    • Contact your local County Human Services Department for information on indigent burial programs.

  • What It Is: Free or low-cost legal help for disaster-related issues such as navigating FEMA appeals, landlord/tenant problems, insurance disputes, and accessing public benefits.

    Use It For: Getting help if you are unfairly denied disaster assistance or if your rights are being violated during recovery.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: Free, confidential support for people experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. This can include grief, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

    Use It For: Connecting with a trained crisis counselor who understands disaster-related trauma. Services are often available via call, text, or online chat.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: Help navigating financial challenges after a disaster, including replacing lost assets, accessing disaster-specific assistance, and managing public benefits.

    Use It For: Understanding how employment might affect your benefits (SSI/SSDI), accessing low-interest loans for adaptive equipment, and getting free financial coaching.

    Find Out More:

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Pacific Northwest Specific Hazards

  • What You'll Find: Real-time fire maps, air quality information, and preparedness guides specific to wildfire risk in the Pacific Northwest.

    Resources:

  • Landslides

    Coastal Erosion

  • What It Is: Flood risk is increasing due to factors including sea-level rise. A major Cascadia earthquake could cause coastal land to sink, dramatically expanding floodplains and potentially more than doubling flood exposure for residents and critical infrastructure.

    Use It For: Checking flood maps, understanding how seismic activity relates to flood risk, and learning about community mitigation efforts.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: The Cascadia Subduction Zone fault line poses a threat of a magnitude 8.0-9.2 earthquake, followed by a significant tsunami. Scientists estimate a 37-43% chance of a major rupture in the next 50 years.

    Use It For: Learning about evacuation zones, understanding the impacts of seismic events, and finding community preparedness plans for coastal and inland areas.

    Find Out More:

  • Extreme Heat

    Winter Storms & Extreme Cold

    • What It Is: Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that can disrupt power, close roads, and create dangerous conditions, particularly for those who are unhoused or lose heating.

    • Use It For: Creating a winter-specific emergency kit for your car and home, understanding how to prevent pipes from freezing, and finding warming shelters.

    • Find Out More:

    High Winds & Dust

    • What It Is: Strong wind events, such as those from thunderstorms or regional weather patterns, can cause power outages, damage property, and in Eastern WA and OR, whip up dust storms that severely reduce visibility and air quality.

    • Use It For: Securing outdoor items that could become projectiles, preparing for power outages, and understanding travel risks during high wind and dust events.

    • Find Out More:

  • What It Is: A multi-year drought continues to challenge the region, affecting water supply, agriculture, and contributing to high wildfire risk. As of July 2025, 70% of the Pacific Northwest was in Moderate to Extreme Drought.

    Use It For: Monitoring current drought conditions, understanding water restrictions, and learning about water conservation.

    Find Out More:

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Health Emergencies & Pandemics

  • What It Is: Public health information (like safety protocols or vaccination details) that is provided in accessible formats, such as ASL interpretation, plain language, Easy Read, and captioned videos.

    Use It For: Ensuring you receive critical health information in a format you can understand and use, without relying on others for interpretation.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: During health crises, disability rights can be threatened, such as through crisis standards of care that may ration medical resources in discriminatory ways. These organizations monitor and advocate for equitable treatment.

    Use It For: Understanding your rights, reporting discrimination, and staying informed about policy changes that could affect your access to healthcare.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: Support for coping with the increased social isolation, anxiety, and disruption to routines that often accompany pandemics, which can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals and those who rely on community support.

    Use It For: Finding strategies to maintain mental wellness, access to teletherapy, and connections to virtual support communities.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: A proactive plan to ensure the continuation of essential home and community-based services (like personal care attendants, therapy, or meal delivery) during a disruption.

    Use It For: Having conversations with your service providers now about their emergency plans and what backup options exist if they are unable to provide care.

    Find Out More:

    • Discuss this directly with your home health agency, support workers, and state case manager.

Household and community Safety

  • What It Is: The most common disaster threat, a home fire can start in minutes from cooking, heating, or electrical issues. For people with disabilities, risk factors can be higher and evacuation may require specific planning.

    Use It For: Creating a personalized home fire escape plan that accounts for mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs. Learning about specialized equipment like strobe light smoke alarms and bed shakers.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: A proactive measure by utility companies to turn off power during extreme fire weather conditions (high winds, low humidity) to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires.

    Use It For: Understanding if you live in a PSPS zone and creating a backup power plan for medical equipment, refrigeration for medications, and communication devices.

    Find Out More:

    • Oregon Energy Resilience Guide

    • [Contact Your Local Electric Utility] (e.g., PGE, Pacific Power, Seattle City Light) for their specific PSPS program details.

    • What It Is: Wildfire smoke can make outdoor air dangerous, but it can also seep into homes, leading to poor indoor air quality that affects health, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

    • Use It For: Learning how to create a "clean air room" in your home, selecting the right air purifier, and understanding when it's safe to ventilate your home.

    • Find Out More:

    *There are fun interactive or visual products on the market like the Birdie (not affiliated or sponsored) that can monitor air quality in your home for you!

  • What It Is: Many individuals rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment (oxygen concentrators, wheelchairs, feeding pumps) or to refrigerate essential medications.

    Use It For: Developing a power outage plan that includes battery backups, knowing how to register as a medically vulnerable customer with your utility, and identifying locations with backup power (like hospitals or fire stations).

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: Power outages and damage to infrastructure can contaminate water supplies and spoil food, posing a significant health risk.

    Use It For: Learning how to safely store and purify water, and determining if food is safe to eat after a power outage.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: Planning for the safety and well-being of your pets and service animals before, during, and after a disaster. Many shelters cannot accept animals, so advanced planning is essential.

    Use It For: Creating a pet-specific emergency kit, knowing which hotels or shelters are pet-friendly, and ensuring service animals can evacuate with you.

    Find Out More:

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General & Government Preparedness Hubs

  • What It Is: The nation's leading public health agency, crucial for preparedness related to pandemics, biological threats, and environmental health hazards.

    Use It For: Finding evidence-based guidance on health-related preparedness, such as water safety after a disaster, managing power outages for medical devices, and pandemic planning.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: The official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, serving as the nation's primary source for basic, all-hazards preparedness information for the general public.

    Use It For: Finding easy-to-understand, foundational guides on building a basic emergency kit and making a family communication plan. It's a great starting point for beginners.

    Find Out More:

  • What It Is: A national network of 10 regional centers providing information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Their goal is to ensure accessibility in all aspects of community life, including emergency management.

    Use It For: Understanding your rights to accessible emergency services, finding technical assistance for making shelters and programs accessible, and accessing specialized guides.

    Find Out More:

Together we will do better.