The Fremont Neighborhood Council hosted a meeting at the Doric Lodge May 27, focused on personal emergency preparedness and the critical role of Seattle’s Community Emergency Hubs.
Ann Forrest, a volunteer educator with the Seattle Office of Emergency Management and a Community Emergency Hub Network leader, discussed practical advice for getting through a major disaster, especially a large-scale earthquake.
Why prepare?
Only about 200 firefighters are on duty across Seattle at any one time. In a major disaster, help will be delayed, not because of lack of care, but because of sheer numbers and logistics. Most people will survive the initial event, but as Forrest said, “It’ll be the worst camping trip of your life.” Preparation makes it less miserable.
Four key areas of personal preparedness
- Gas Shutoff: If you have natural gas, know how to find and shut off your meter. After an earthquake, only turn it off if you hear hissing or smell gas. Leave it alone otherwise because shutting it off without cause could leave you unable to cook or heat your home until utility crews arrive.
- Water Storage: Water mains are likely to break. You’ll need one gallon per person per day for at least two weeks. Bottled water is easiest to store, doesn’t expire, and can be tucked in closets or behind furniture. Hot water heaters can also serve as a source; just make sure you know how to access it.
- Sanitation Plans: Without water or working sewers, toilets won’t function. Forrest introduced the “twin bucket” system: one bucket for urine, one for feces, lined with double trash bags and sprinkled with something dry (like baking soda or dirt) to manage odor and moisture. Tape instructions to your hot water tank or wherever you store supplies, and have gloves, sanitizer, and extra bags on hand.
- Tech Readiness: Some apps, like early earthquake warnings, require internet and GPS access to work. While not a silver bullet, they can give a few seconds of notice…just enough to drop, cover, and hold on. Printed guides and low-tech communication methods were also encouraged.
What about Fremont?
After covering household readiness, the discussion shifted to how Fremont could work together. The Community Emergency Hubs program trains volunteers to organize neighbors and share information when normal communications are down. Fremont has one established hub at Ross Park, with a couple P-Patches under consideration, but with the neighborhood’s density more are needed.
Attendees discussed possible future sites, including B.F. Day Upper Field Playground and Gas Works Park. Forming a hub doesn’t require prior training, just interest. Volunteers learn how to coordinate in a crisis and receive access to supplies stored in a “Hub-in-a-Box.”
If you’re interested in helping start a hub in your part of Fremont, attend an upcoming hub drill or contact Forrest. There’s room and a need for more leaders.
Preparedness can feel overwhelming, but as Forrest reminded the group, a few small steps now can make a big difference later. And when disaster hits, it’s your neighbors you’ll rely on first.
Watch the presentation here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16bG1yHfen
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