April is Disaster Preparedness Month

Olympia, WA - Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) will join with city and county emergency management agencies in the annual observance of April as the month that Washington residents highlight and practice disaster planning and preparedness.
“Citizens, companies and government agencies will be encouraged to review their individual preparedness plans, contact information and emergency kits, and to prepare themselves to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days following an act of terrorism, or natural or man-made disasters,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has proclaimed April as Disaster Preparedness Month.

Preparedness events in April will include:

Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference, April 9-12 at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center.

A statewide Drop, Cover & Hold – Earthquake Drill at 9:45 a.m. on April 25.
The drill will be initiated through the Emergency Alert System using the required monthly
test for broadcasters.

Preparedness information for schools, businesses and homes will be available at EMD’s
“In Focus” website section: www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_infocus.shtml.

For events and activities in your area, please check your local emergency management office’s website. A listing of those sites is available at http://www.emd.wa.gov/myn/myn_contact_info.shtml.

For more information about preparedness month, please contact Rosanne Garrand, EMD public education program coordinator, (253) 512-7419.