Emergency Preparedness & Response

Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response (PHEPR) improves the ability of the public health system and health care system to prevent, respond to, and recover from emergencies in our communities. Preparedness involves a coordinated process of planning and implementation, working in partnership with local, state, and federal partners.

Learn About Preparedness

• FEMA: Ready Campaign's "Prepare to Protect" PSA | The Best Planner - YouTube

• Spanish: FEMA: Anuncio de Servicio Público de la campaña Listo/Ready | El mejor planificador - YouTube

• Learn from this Preparedness Video Series (YouTube) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Plan Ahead

Learn how to be ready for emergencies or disasters, with tips on how to prepare for:

• People with disabilities, access, and functional needs

• Mental and behavioral health needs, coping strategies, and supports

• Personal needs, like food, water, and medications

• Power loss

• Make a plan and identify out-of-area contacts

• Build an emergency kit

• Protect important documents

• Prepare at home and secure water heaters

• Prepare your vehicle

• Calling 9-1-1

• Using a smartphone during an emergency

• First aid, CPR, and other practical skills

• Mental health first aid

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

Stay informed about emergencies as they arise. Emergency notifications keep can help us stay in-the-know and provide time to react.

• Learn about free wireless and email alerts

• Note how a smartphone can help

• Sign up for alert and warning notifications

• Understand needs related to children, pets, and mental health

• Learn about severe weather and natural disasters

• Learn about natural and technological hazards

Be aware of climate change, which impacts the frequency, severity, and timing of weather-related hazards. Stay informed:

• Climate.gov

• Understanding Climate Change

• Climate and Health

Get Connected

Connections with neighbors, family, and friends can increase our ability to respond and recover from disasters.  

• Make and strengthen connections

• Create a family communication plan

• Prepare to manage stress

Youth volunteer opportunities:

• Activities for all ages

• Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

• Youth Preparedness Council

• Red Cross Youth Resources

Adult volunteer opportunities:

• Washington State Emergency Registry of Volunteers (WAserv)

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

• American Red Cross

COVID-19 Information

• For daily COVID-19 updates, please visit the Public Health COVID-19 page

• For resources relating to COVID-19, please visit our resources page

• Mental health and housing resources - Human Services.