Emergency Management

Chief of Emergency Management: Julie de Losada

Disaster Preparedness Tips
Skagit County Department of Emergency Management urges citizens to take steps to prepare for floods, earthquakes and other emergencies.

After a disaster, emergency response teams will be very busy and may not be able to provide immediate care to all who need it. People should be prepared to be on their own for at least three days. Now is a perfect time to think about what you and your family would do if a disaster were to occur.

Make a Plan - Every family should have a plan for how they will communicate during an emergency and where they will meet if separated. If you live in a flood hazard area, your plan should include when and how you will evacuate, if needed.

Establish a meeting place near your home where family members will go if it's not safe to stay in your home.
Establish an out-of-area contact. This should be someone out-of-state that each family member can contact to communicate their well-being.

Telephone communication will be difficult; texting may be an option if cell phone calls will not work.

Build a Kit - Having basic emergency supplies on hand will help keep you alive and more comfortable during the first few days following a disaster. A minimum three-day supply of food and water plus other items listed below is recommended.

Ready-to-eat canned and dry food
Manual can opener
Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Diapers, infant formula, and wipes
Medications and personal hygiene items
First-aid kit
Whistle

Flashlight (battery-powered or hand-crank style)
Radio (battery-powered or hand-crank style)
Extra batteries
Sturdy shoes, warm clothing, hat and gloves
Sleeping bag or blanket
Tarp or tent
Food, water and supplies for pets

Putting these items together in one place will help you to have what you need. Also consider having an emergency kit in your car and at work. Remember to rotate emergency food and water supplies.

Get Involved - Learn more about flooding, earthquakes and other hazards and how to be prepared.

Learn CPR and basic first aid.
Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
Learn how (and when) to turn off your utilities - and the procedure for turning them back on after a disaster.
Get to know your neighbors - a trusted friend next door can keep an eye on your property, your children and your pets if an emergency keeps you from getting home.
Subscribe to the Skagit County Emergency List to receive timely information, press releases and news about emergencies and natural disasters, directly from Skagit County government offices/agencies.
Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do during a flood or earthquake.

For information about flooding in Skagit County.

For additional information about disaster preparedness, click on the web links listed below:

http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_index.shtml

http://www.ready.gov/

www.skagitcounty.net/EmergencyManagement/Documents/2008Emergency_Resource_Guide.pdf

Contact the Skagit County Department of Emergency Management at 360-416-1850 or dem@co.skagit.wa.us