PREPAREDNESS

Individual & Family Preparedness

Citizens and communities throughout the Pacific Northwest are subject to a number of potential natural and human-caused disasters. We cannot stop these disasters from occurring, but we can limit their impact on us and those we love. NOW is the time to prepare for such emergencies and learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your home. Every member of the family needs to be involved so that when the disaster strikes, everyone will know what to do. The following information will assist you in becoming better prepared for the next disaster:


Natural Hazards

Washington State is subject to a number of potential natural disasters such as floods, severe winter storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. While we all hope that such an occurrence never happens, it has been shown time and time again that being prepared for disaster makes sense. There are many things that persons, families and businesses can do to prepare themselves for the impact of a natural or human-caused disaster. Many aspects of preparedness are common to all hazards. The links below provide more detailed information regarding a specific hazard.

Man-Made/Technological Hazards

Man-made or technological disasters can be difficult to predict. Granted, man has not developed any positive system for predicting earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, but at least he is able to monitor some natural events to a certain extent and give warning of an impending natural disaster. When it comes to man-made disasters, such warnings are not always possible; for example, a toxic spill on a major highway or an airplane crash into a populated housing area. Even though these disasters cannot be predicted as to when/where they will occur, we can identify some of the possibilities and plan for the potential emergency. The man-made disasters that pose a significant threat in Cowlitz County are: