Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your home or neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Given Enumclaw's location and size, a regional disaster, such as a large earthquake, could make relief support several days away.

Earthquakes, volcanic eruption, windstorms, and terrorism in the Seattle metropolitan area are real possibilities for residents. Some plans and preparation now will help you and your loved ones get through a disaster.

Preparations

If you do nothing else, do at least the following 6 things to prepare:

• Talk about preparedness with everyone in your home.
• Have an out-of-area contact.
• Secure appliances and address hazards in your home.
• Create a 3 day (at least) kit in a duffel bag or backpack. Seriously consider having supplies to last a week.
• Keep your gas tank at least a quarter full.
• Keep a modest amount of cash.

RPIN

The Regional Public Information & Notification (RPIN) has the latest news from more than 75 government, transportation, utility, health, and emergency response agencies serving citizens in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

Questions

The city has emergency plans in place, which are being reassessed and updated, but city resources in a major disaster would be limited. Take the time now to be ready. If you have questions about the city's emergency plans, please contact Fire Chief Randy Fehr at 360-825-5544.