Emergency Management Services of King County
King County is StormReady! As of November 2004, King County is one of only 4%
of the National Weather Service-recognized StormReady areas! King County's StormReady recognition was recently exteneded through 2010. Out of over 22,000
potential StormReady sites in the nation, King County is in the leading
percentage of recognized communities and counties. This regional effort,
comprised of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties with the City of Seattle,
makes the Puget Sound region better equipped to handle adverse weather and save
lives and property in the event of a severe weather emergency. By joining
together in collaboration, our region is not only more prepared, but each
county and the City of Seattle has also been recognized independently as
StormReady communities.
To be recognized as StormReady, King County and its' regional partners had to show they had:
Established a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center.
In fact, King County has them co-located in the same building.
More than one way to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings and that they could alert the public.
King County has multiple layers of communication ability, ensuring that warnings will reach the public in an expedient fashion.
Created a system that monitors local weather conditions.
In addition to maintaining a dedicated Flood Warning System, King County supports multiple forms of National Weather Services Information Reception Equipment.
Promoted the importance of public readiness through community seminars.
King County is committed to providing up-to-date severe weather preparedness education to the community.
Developed a formal hazardous weather readiness plan, which included training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.
King County employs multiple readiness plans and stays current in training with regular plan exercises.
The King County Office of Emergency Management strongly encourages regional residents to include a NOAA Weather radio in their emergency plans. For more information about this essential weather-warning device, click here.
Find out how to prepare for regional severe weather hazards like storms,
flooding,
and landslides.
These pages also have helpful links to additional severe weather information.
Check out the "Personal and
Community Preparedness" page to find more links on family disaster
planning and disaster supply kits.
Links and Resources
- StormReady
Find out more about how the National Weather Service is helping communities nationwide to prepare for severe weather! - Taking Winter by
Storm!
Storm-related breaking news, alerts, and resources provided by the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN). - National Weather Service-Seattle
The latest weather forecast starts here! - Regional Public Information Network
(RPIN)
Central Puget Sound's breaking news and alert system, RPIN also offers a subscriber service that delivers information straight to your e-mail inbox. - King County Metro
Online
What happens to bus service when adverse weather strikes? Find out how to get home by visiting this link to King County Metro Bus Services. - King
County Alert! Road Closures and Conditions
Get the latest information on your severe weather commute from the King County Department of Transportation.
For more information about the StormReady program, please contact the King County Office of Emergency Management via email or phone, 206-296-3830.