Emergency preparedness news
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July 14: King County chosen to demo next generation 9-1-1- King County
King County is one of five communities nationwide that has been chosen as a test site for a Next Generation 9-1-1 Initiative by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT).
May 27: "Drop, Cover and Hold" still best bet for staying safe in a quake: Internet rumor dispelled
With images from China's devastating earthquake still fresh in the media, King County residents need to know "Drop, Cover and Hold" is still the best method for earthquake safety in the United States and especially in our own quake-prone region.
May 17: Snowmelt keeps flows high as King County continues to monitor dangerous river conditions
Saturday’s record-breaking high temperatures continue to melt a heavy mountain snowpack, as rivers across King County remain high and dangerous. The King County Flood Warning Center has been open since 9 p.m. Friday evening to monitor river flows.
May 16: Minor flooding noted on Snoqualmie River
King County opened its Flood Warning Center at 9 p.m. Friday evening to monitor what is expected to be minor flooding conditions on the Snoqualmie River this weekend. Heavy snowmelt caused by unseasonably warm temperatures led to the minor flood condition
March 14: King County names Robin Friedman director of the Office of Emergency Management- King County
Mr. Robin Friedman has been selected to lead King County's emergency management, planning and preparedness as the director of the Office of Emergency Management effective April 7. Mr. Friedman recently served Seattle residents as the Director of Security
March 4: Emergency management officials prepare for catastrophic earthquake- King County
Earthquakes are the Puget Sound region's biggest threat and local emergency management officials are preparing now for the next big one.
Feb. 1: King County issues emergency proclamation to help residents- King County
King County Executive Ron Sims has issued an emergency proclamation to enable county departments to respond even more quickly to the ongoing heavy snowfall in the Skykomish area.
Jan. 28: Snow showers, cold weather add up to week of unpredictable travel in King County
Nasty and unpredictable: Two words that just about sum up what travel in King County has been like these past few days.
Jan. 25: King County 9-1-1 chosen for national pilot program
King County’s Enhanced 9-1-1 System has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation as one of five 9-1-1 centers nationally to participate in a pilot project of Next Generation 9-1-1. This new system would allow 9-1-1 centers to accept emerg
Jan. 4: Disaster Recovery Center closes in King County
Recovery efforts from December's flooding continue in King County, but residents are urged to apply for help now. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials announced today that the Disaster Recovery Center currently located at North Seattle Com
Dec. 14: Windstorm anniversary highlights interdependencies
On the one-year anniversary of one of the most severe windstorms to ever hit the region, infrastructure officials from across the Northwest and Canada are meeting to plan for the protection and continuity of the region’s critical infrastructure.
Dec. 5: Residents and businesses can report damages online- King County
Residents and businesses of King County can now report all damage and loss estimates online at www.kingcounty.gov/prepare, or by calling 1-800-523-5044.
Dec. 4: King County closes Flood Warning Center, but keeping an eye on receding rivers
The King County Flood Warning Center closed at 3 p.m. today after 30 hours of monitoring minor and moderate flooding along the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers, and Issaquah Creek. Staff will continue to monitor river flows as conditions warrant.
Dec. 3: Motorists told to steer clear of flooded roads- King County
With rain expected to continue overnight, King County's Department of Transportation (KCDOT) is reminding motorists not to underestimate potentially treacherous road conditions associated with widespread flooding in many areas.
Dec. 3: King County continues response as rain slows- King County
The King County Emergency Coordination Center will continue to be activated throughout the evening in response to the severe rain and wind impacting all parts of the County.
Dec. 3: King County responds to heavy rain- King County
As of 10:30 a.m. this morning, King County activated its Emergency Coordination Center in Renton in response to the severe rain and potential flooding around the county.
Dec. 3: Heavy rain causing hazardous travel conditions throughout King County
Mother Nature continues to deliver a one-two punch this morning, causing hazardous travel conditions and other weather-related problems all across the region. .
Dec. 3: Phase Two flood alert issued for Cedar River; Flood Warning Center continues to monitor river levels
King County activated its Flood Warning Center at 8:45 a.m. Monday to monitor moderate flooding along the Tolt River, as heavy rainfall and melting snow raised the river into a Phase III flood alert level.
Oct. 30: Region's leaders announce new measures to speed winter response as they kick-off annual storm campaign- King County
On the heels of a winter that brought historic floods, wind and snow to Puget Sound, four of the region's largest agencies have announced a series of new actions to improve coordination and speed response as the next storm season gets underway.
Oct. 30: County's storm response plan synchs up across jurisdictions
The King County Department of Transportation (KCDOT) is ready to roll out a new coordinated effort to keep people moving during the worst winter storms.
Oct. 30: King County taking steps to reduce threats from serious flooding to residents, region's economy
Last November's record rains and historic flooding not only impacted thousands of residents and their property, it also caused $33 million in new damages to King County's flood protection infrastructure that was already in dire need of repair.
Oct. 30: King County's Flood Warning Center poised for duty as winter weather arrives
When winter storms pour in and rivers threaten to overtop their banks, King County's Flood Warning Center kicks into action to provide citizens and property owners the information they need to deal with river flooding and its consequences.
Oct. 18: High winds toppled trees and brought down power lines in the Factoria area of Bellevue Thursday afternoon, forcing the indefinite closure of King County's Factoria Transfer Station.
High winds toppled trees and brought down power lines in the Factoria area of Bellevue Thursday afternoon, forcing the indefinite closure of King County's Factoria Transfer Station.
Oct 15: Federal flood maps updated to digital format; Public meetings set to gather input
New draft digital maps of flood-prone areas in King County – produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – are available for public review.
Oct. 10: Vashon holds emergency drill
On Saturday October 13th Vashon Island will test disaster response skills and its preparation for the 'big one.'
Sept. 28: Sims pleased with best-in-nation flood honor, but 'won't rest easy' until aging levees are repaired- King County
While record rain and floods last winter are still fresh memories, King County's flood plan and flood management programs were named among the best-in-the-nation today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
July 10: Record heat opens additional cooling centers
As above average temperatures continue in the Puget Sound region, additional cooling centers have been opened around King County to help residents stay cool and comfortable during hot summer days.
July 10: Beat the heat: Community resources and cooling centers open around King County
With temperatures expected to be in the low 90s this week, Public Health - Seattle & King County and the King County Office of Emergency Management are recommending residents make use of public facilities to stay cool during the heat.
July 9: Tips on how to stay cool and healthy during a heat wave
With high temperatures in the forecast for this week, Public Health - Seattle & King County, the King County Office of Emergency Management, and the National Weather Service warn residents that heat can cause serious medical problems.
April 25: King County's Emergency Manager taking expertise to Homeland Security practice- King County
The nationally respected Director of the King County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Eric Holdeman, will be leaving the county to pursue a new career in private consulting. Holdeman will be employed locally by ICF International a Fairfax, Virginia b
April 18: Beware of false internet rumor on earthquake safety; Drop, cover, and hold for statewide earthquake drill
While DROP, COVER, and HOLD is the most familiar and preferred method of protection during an earthquake in this region of the world, rumors continue to resurface on the internet about the validity of an alternative method called the "Triangle of Life."