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Droughts

Photo: Drought ConditionsWestern Washington is typically associated with rain, green trees, and healthy environments, making the idea of drought in King County seem like a far-fetched notion. However, as exemplified most recently by dry conditions in 2001, droughts can also occur in this part of the State.

Drought can be a result of multiple causes including global weather patterns that produce warm, dry air resulting in less precipitation. Drought may be defined as a prolonged period of dryness severe enough to reduce soil moisture, water and snow levels below the minimum necessary for sustaining plant, animal, and economic systems.

Assessing the probability of drought conditions in King County can be challenging due to our temperate weather. As a result, current long-range forecasts of drought have limited reliability. If historic patterns repeat themselves, dry conditions occur approximately every decade. 

Drought conditions occurring in King County can have an impact on the economic viability of agriculture and power industries as well as water and snow recreational activities. Drought conditions would impact the amount of water available for crops, and could also reduce the area snow pack, which could have a negative result on winter sports tourism.

Additionally, due to the prevalence of hydroelectric dams in King County, drought could also have a negative impact on the availability and cost of electronic power. In severe cases, our region could experience future planned power outages as a result. Due to dry conditions, there would be in increase in fire activity, typically involving dry brush and wildland, or wildland interface areas. Another negative impact could include the affect on the capabilities of firefighters in the area, as water shortages may result in reduced water flow and pressure available to combat fires. 

Do your part to combat dry conditions by using water wisely! Check out the links below to learn how to conserve water and better protect your home during drought conditions.

Hazard-specific Preparedness Steps

  1. Learn water restrictions in your area and how to reduce water consumption in and around your home.

  2. Plan for the possibility of power outages during severe drought conditions.

General Preparedness Steps

  1. Have and practice a family disaster plan.

  2. Establish meeting places and phone numbers in case family members are separated.

  3. Identify an out-of-state contact to call during a major disaster or emergency; it will be easier to call out of the area if local lines are tied up.

  4. Make sure everyone knows when and how to call 9-1-1.

  5. Keep your disaster supply kits up to date. Make sure you have kits for your home, vehicle, work and school.

  6. Get a tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio to receive emergency notifications and up-to-date information and instructions.

  7. Teach all family members when, where and how to turn off utilities. Make sure you have the appropriate equipment, such as a wrench, handy.

  8. Make sure you understand the emergency plans and expectations at your child's school and your work.

  9. Preplan alternate transportation routes to and from work and other important destinations.

  10. Be sure to keep at least a half-tank of gas in your vehicle at all times; power outages often accompany disasters and gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.

  11. Know ahead of time what you should do to help family, friends or neighbors who are elderly or have special needs. 

See "related links" for more details on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from this type of a disaster or emergency.


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  Updated: April 21, 2008