News

Use this section to get updates on what is happening in Seattle on matters relating to hazards and disasters. Events are posted on our calendar.

Note: during big events breaking news from the City of Seattle will go on the City's home page.

National Emergency Communications Plan Released
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released today the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized. The NECP is the nation's first strategic plan to improve emergency response communications, and complements overarching homeland security and emergency communications legislation, strategies and initiatives.
Posted: August 19th, 2008

National Emergency Housing Strategy Released
The National Disaster Housing Strategy (the Strategy) serves two purposes. First, it describes how we as a Nation currently provide housing to those affected by disasters. It summarizes, for the first time in a single document, the many sheltering and housing efforts we have in the United States and the broad array of organizations that are involved in managing these programs. The Strategy also outlines the key principles and policies that guide the disaster housing process.

Second, and more importantly, the Strategy charts the new direction that our disaster housing efforts must take if we are to better meet the emergent needs of disaster victims and communities. Today we face a wider range of hazards and potentially catastrophic events than we have ever faced before. These include terrorist attacks and major natural disasters that could destroy large sections of the Nation's infrastructure. This new direction must address the disaster housing implications of all these risks and hazards and, at the same time, guide development of essential, baseline capabilities to overcome existing limitations. The new direction for disaster housing must leverage emerging technologies and new approaches in building design to provide an array of housing options. It must also be cost effective and draw on lessons learned and best practices. Above all, this new direction must institutionalize genuine collaboration and cooperation among the various local, State, tribal, and Federal partners, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to meet the needs of all disaster victims.
Posted: August 19th, 2008

Federal Disaster Recovery Assistance for Victims of the December 2, 2007 Storm
Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the December 2007 storm can now apply for financial help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). King County residents with storm damage to their homes may be eligible for small grants and/or low-interest loans. Impacted businesses may apply for SBA loans only.

The first step is to register with FEMA: Register online at www.fema.gov/assistance or call FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. (TTY 1-800-462-7585).

Those who have registered with FEMA are also encouraged to visit the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center located at North Seattle Community College through January 17th, 2008, to get more information and help with the loan process.

The Center, located at 9600 College Way, is currently open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6:30 pm.
Posted: January 7th, 2008

Donations encouraged, and cash works best
A great way to help disaster victims is through a financial contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which allows the Red Cross to provide immediate emergency assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters each year, such as the current flooding in Washington. Disaster victims need essential assistance right away, such as shelter, water, food, and mental health counseling.

The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund is the resource that allows the Red Cross to respond to anyone with disaster-caused needs, whenever and wherever a disaster occurs. American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate funds to a specific disaster, please indicate so when making your donation. Internet users can make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org. You may also call 1-800-RED-CROSS OR 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).
Posted: December 5th, 2007

First Time Federal Money Available to Non-profits for Increased Security
Assistance now available to organizations at high risk of terrorist attack

SEATTLE - Up to $100,000 is now available to non-profit organizations which can show they are at high risk of terrorist attack. The money is available via a new grant program administered by the Urban Area Security Initiative, part of the Department of Homeland Security. Money may be used to purchase and install security equipment or to train security personnel.

Non-profit organizations must apply for the grant money and be able to show a need for increased security. This can involve producing police and insurance reports or experiencing prior threats and attacks. Grant recipients will be required to provide a 25 percent matching soft grant derived from non-federal sources. Applications are available at www.metrokc.gov/prepare.

Completed applications must be submitted via email to the Washington State Emergency Management Department by midnight June 15, 2007. Completed applications need to be sent to his.reporting@emd.wa.gov.

Federal funds will be awarded to the State of Washington, which will then be responsible for contracting directly with the qualifying non-profit agency.
Posted: May 11th, 2007

Public Meeting Scheduled to Discuss Proposed Queen Anne Community Center Seismic Retrofit and Gas Shut-off Valve Installations
The City of Seattle intends to apply for state and federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to provide funding to seismically retrofit the Queen Anne Community Center and install Gas Shut-off Valves on a number of key city buildings. The grant application deadline is May 31, 2007.

A public meeting will be held to provide interested parties with information about the two projects. The Parks and Recreation and Fleet and Facilities Department staff will describe the projects and address alternatives currently under consideration.

See our calendar or the meeting flyer for details.
Posted: May 7th, 2007

SBA Offers Loans to Small Businesses Financially Hurt by Windstorm The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) is making available low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans to businesses that suffered lost revenue as a result of the December 14 & 15 severe winter storm.

Please call (800) 659-2955 for more information. SBA representatives will also be available in person at the Seattle District Office for a limited time. The deadline to apply is January 9, 2008.
Posted: April 18th, 2007

Lessons learned from December 2006 windstorm
will help improve Seattle's emergency response
Mayor Greg Nickels has released a detailed review of the city's response to the historic December 2006 windstorm and pledged to implement all of the report's key recommendations to help prepare even more effectively for future emergencies.

The 55-page December Storm After Action Report examines what worked well and provides lessons learned - information key to improving Seattle's emergency response capabilities. The report, which will be sent to the City Council, was developed by the departments and individuals who actually worked during and after the storm.
Posted: Febrary 28, 2007

Disaster Declaration for December Storm for Governments and Non-profits
On February 14th, a Presidential Disaster Declaration was made for the December 14 and 15, 2006 severe winter storm. This declaration make funds available to defray public sector (including local goverment and eligible non-profits) costs for storm response and repairs within 11 Washington counties. This is the second disaster declaration for the fall of 2006; flooding in November was also declared a disaster for King County.

Unfortunately, the disaster declaration did not include FEMA assistance for residents affected by the wind, rain and power outage. Please see the How do I Recover from Disaster page for other resource ideas. Also, see the WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner (pdf) for information on coverage issues from the storm.
Posted: Febrary 16, 2007

Earthquake Protect Your Home!
Learn about the steps it takes to retrofit your home for an earthquake, especially if your house was built before 1980. Also you can learn how to secure heavy furniture and belongings in your home. State Farm and Lowe's has partnered with our office to provide citizens this helpful information. Come and learn how to take the steps to secure your important investment - your home. Get more information here.
Posted: Febrary 8, 2007