Emergency Preparedness

It's not a question of if, but when, a disaster will happen. Mercer Island, home to 25,000 residents, can be impacted by both natural and manmade disasters. Being prepared is critical. 

Understanding the Hazards

Disasters can happen at any time. Washington State experiences significant impacts from natural hazards including storms, landslides, floods, wildland fires, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Beyond natural hazards, there are technological hazards, including nuclear power plant incidents, chemical weapon stockpiles, dam failures, and hazardous material spills.

As an island, it is especially important that residents understand the hazards for the community and the best ways to prepare to survive during and thrive after a disaster. 

Click on the links below to learn about each hazard.

• Earthquakes
• Landslides
• Winter Weather and Roads
• Power Outages and Windstorms
• Volcanoes
• Flu Outbreaks
• Boil Water Advisory

Prepare for Disasters Now

Disasters can strike at any time. A warning can be issued for some disasters, others strike without warning.

A disaster doesn't just have to be an earthquake or pandemic. It can be any major event that disrupts normal life including multi-day power outages limiting access to refrigerated medications or interior flooding from a broken fire sprinkler or an overflowing drain. Response to these events will depend greatly on how we prepare for them.

There are steps everyone should take to prepare now for disasters. 

1. Create a Plan

   • Include a family/household communication plan

   • Include alternative shelter options

   • Map out evacuation routes

   • Identify special family needs for babies/young children and seniors, medical needs, and disabilities or access and functional needs

2. Build a Kit
   • Be prepared for your family to survive on your own for 2-weeks
   • Water (one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation)
   • Non-perishable food 
   • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
   • Flashlight
   • Extra batteries
   • First aid kit
   • Whistle
   • Prepare smaller Go-Kits in case evacuation is necessary
     • Clothing
     • Comfort items (toys for children, playing cards, etc.)
3. Talk with Your Family about Preparedness
   • Review the plan and preparedness items with all of the members of your family
4. Prepare Your Pets
   • Pets need a kit with food, water, medications, and comfort items
   • Prepare a shelter plan if evacuation is necessary
5. Sign up for Emergency Alerts and Warnings

Emergency Preparedness Training

The City of Mercer Island partners with the community to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. The City provides classes, training, and volunteer opportunities to help achieve this goal. 

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training - takes place in spring
• Map Your Neighborhood - coordinated throughout the year
• National Night Out - takes place in August
• Emergency Management Volunteer Program - meets quarterly

Emergency Management Volunteers

The City relies heavily on a team of trained volunteers. Volunteers begin with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and can join specialized teams. 

Questions?

Contact 206-275-7905 or emergencymanagement@mercerisland.gov.