Kitsap Service Agencies Get Prepared For Earthquake
Release Date: February 15, 2001
Release Number: R10-01-15
Kitsap County, WA -- In a strategic alliance designed to better prepare Kitsap County in the event of an earthquake, United Way of Kitsap County and the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management/Project Impact are pooling their resources to earthquake-proof all United Way agencies in the area.
Over 25 local health and human service agencies will benefit through this joint effort, which is part of United Way of Kitsap County's annual Day of Caring, scheduled for Wednesday, June 20, 2001. Each year, United Way of Kitsap County recruits community volunteers to help local agencies through projects like painting, construction and landscaping. In lieu of this type of project, this year's Day of Caring will include bolting and bracing office equipment and furniture at the agencies to reduce risk of damage and injury in the event of a major earthquake.
"When the idea for this project was brought to us by Project Impact, we knew it would be a great fit," states Barbara Stephenson, Executive Director of United Way of Kitsap County. "United Way agencies are among the first institutions the public turns to in times of crisis. Helping these agencies become better prepared to survive an earthquake is a positive step for our entire community."
"The Puget Sound area runs the second highest risk for a major earthquake in the United States," explains Phyllis Mann, Director of the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management/Project Impact. "We take these service agencies for granted all year long, but if they weren't ready when an earthquake strikes, our community would not have access to critically needed services."
"This is the first partnership of its kind in the United States," continues Mann. "By bringing together our individual strengths, Project Impact and United Way of Kitsap County will be able to accomplish in a single day what often takes months to complete."
United Way of Kitsap County will be recruiting volunteers to participate in this project beginning in April. For more information, call 360-377-8505.
Last Modified: Monday, 27-Oct-2003 14:21:23