Why communication fails first in emergencies—and how Shoreline ACS plans for that

Shoreline ACS members at work

By Jon Anscher

Imagine a winter storm knocks out power across the neighborhood. Your phone battery is dropping. Internet service is out. You want to check on family members, find reliable updates, and know what happens next.

In many emergencies, one of the first things people lose is communication. Sometimes the problem is physical damage to power lines, towers, or internet equipment. More often, systems are simply overloaded. Too many people call at once. Text messages are delayed. Reliable information becomes harder to find.

When communication breaks down, even small problems can feel much bigger. People want to know whether loved ones are safe. They need updates about road closures, shelters, medical help, school closures, or changing conditions. First responders need to coordinate quickly. Communities need accurate information they can trust.

That is why Shoreline ACS plans ahead. Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service, or ACS, is a local volunteer organization that trains to help when normal communication systems are overloaded or unavailable. Members support public safety and emergency management partners during storms, disasters, and major community events.

Many people assume smartphones solve every communication problem. Most of the time, they do. But phones depend on electricity, network capacity, internet connections, and working towers.

If any part of that system fails, service becomes less reliable. Residents have already seen smaller versions of this during windstorms, snow events, power outages, and crowded gatherings when networks slow down. In a major regional disaster, those same problems could last much longer.

That is where backup systems matter. Shoreline ACS members train in radio communications because radio can work independently of commercial cellular networks. With the right equipment and training, volunteers can pass messages, relay reports, and help keep information moving when other systems are down.

But emergency communication is about more than radios. It also means sharing clear information, reducing confusion, and helping the right people get the right message at the right time.

ACS members raising the antenna
for satellite link on their van

ACS members train year-round, meet regularly, maintain equipment, and practice before emergencies happen. The goal is simple: learn now, so they are ready later.

They do not replace police, fire, or medical responders. They are trained volunteers who help strengthen the community’s overall response.

There is also a lesson for households. Every family can improve communication readiness by keeping battery packs charged, storing key phone numbers on paper, owning flashlights and a basic radio, and making a plan for how to reconnect if phones are not working.

Preparedness is not about panic. It is about confidence. Knowing how you will get information, contact family, and adapt when normal systems are disrupted can make stressful situations more manageable.

Most days, communication systems work so well that we hardly notice them. Until they do not. That is why Shoreline ACS continues to prepare quietly in the background—so when communication becomes difficult, the community is not starting from zero.

Residents interested in learning more about preparedness, amateur radio, or volunteering can visit shorelineacs.org.

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NEMCo graduates another CERT class

More members of your community have taken the NEMCo class
Photo by Robin Mckenzie

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) has graduated another class in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. This program's primary focus is on keeping volunteer responders safe during an emergency.

There have been studies done of disaster responses and how people react. It is in our nature to want to help people during an emergency. Our desire to respond sometimes clouds our vision so we don't see the danger. 

Have you ever pulled the pin on a fire extinguisher?
NEMCo CERT training includes a live fire exercise
Photo by Robin Mckenzie

All too often, it is the untrained person who just wants to help who gets injured, or worse.

We know that during a disaster, our local emergency services could be overwhelmed. It might be days before professional help arrives. The CERT Program was developed to help people understand the hazards of responding, and give them some knowledge and tools so they can respond safely.

A collapsed structure with someone trapped is simulated in this NEMCo CERT exercise
Drone photo by Chase Boyd

NEMCo teaches a CERT class twice a year at Fire Station 51 in Kenmore. Registration will start in late summer for the NEMCo fall program. It's a free class that consists of 24 hours of instruction. 

Part of NEMCo CERT training involves going into a dark, unfamiliar building to search for survivors Photo by Robin Mckenzie

In the spring, we offer the course in three 8-hour classes taught on weekends. In the fall, we offer eight 3-hour classes taught in the evening. Check out our website at northshoreemc.org for info.

--Patrick Ducey

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Neighbors You Hope You Never Need

Shoreline ACS team at Farmers Market

By Shoreline ACS

You may not know much about Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service—and in many ways, that's a good thing. 

ACS belongs to the category of services we hope we never need but probably will. 

For ACS President Alan Coburn (KE7IBO), that understanding runs deep. As a boy, he watched his father—a fire chief and civil defense director—prepare the family during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Years later, he led a team of structural engineers assessing federal building damage after the Nisqually Earthquake. 

That arc of experience, from childhood awareness to professional response, shaped his conviction that communities must prepare before disaster strikes.

Alan's wife Gail (KE7IBM) completed CERT training through Northshore Fire in 2004; Alan followed through Shoreline Fire in 2006. That shared commitment led them both to Shoreline ACS, where they now serve alongside roughly 35 FCC-licensed, FEMA-certified volunteers drawn from backgrounds in AI, robotics, law enforcement, structural engineering, and emergency management. 

The team's guiding mantra captures their approach: *Be relevant. Be ready. Be responsive. Be reliable. Be resilient. Be there.* 

While ham radio remains the backbone of emergency communications—reliable precisely because it operates independently of cellular infrastructure—Shoreline ACS has expanded well beyond radio. The organization's mobile communications van can operate across HF, VHF, and UHF amateur bands, public safety frequencies, and multiple commercial platforms simultaneously, enabling coordination across agencies during complex emergencies. 

That capability was put to the test in 2025, when the team's ACEDIT system supported security for Justice Sonia Sotomayor's visit to the area. ACEDIT integrates satellite data, drones, and ground teams into a unified operating picture that incident commanders can access from anywhere. 

During that same mission, ACEDIT also served as a critical support link when North King County SWAT was activated for an active shooter incident in nearby Kenmore. 

As Alan notes, modern reliance on smartphones creates a false sense of security. "Radio is critical because it will be there when you need it." When cell networks are overloaded or down—at a Seahawks parade, in a major storm, after an earthquake—ACS is already in position. 

Shoreline ACS is currently working to strengthen both its capabilities and its team. If you're interested in emergency preparedness, amateur radio, or serving your community when it matters most, visit shorelineacs.org. 

*Reprinted in a condensed form with permission of the Richmond Beach Community News.*

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Open House for the NEMCo Air Squirrels April 30, 2026

Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) 

UAS Spring Open House
Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 6:30–8:00pm 

Shoreline Fire Station 51, 7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA

Free admission • All community members welcome

When a wildfire threatens a neighborhood, a person is missing in a forested park, or floodwaters make roads impassable, getting the right information fast can mean the difference between a controlled response and a crisis. 

Increasingly, that information comes from above — and in Kenmore, Shoreline, and Lake Forest Park, it comes from a team of trained community volunteers.

The NEMCo Air Squirrels, a volunteer UAS (drone) program operating across North King County, have spent the last two-and-a-half years building something rare: a fully deployable, professionally structured aerial program staffed entirely by community volunteers. 

They work alongside Lake Forest Park Police, Shoreline Fire Department, the emergency manager, and public utilities to provide aerial incident support.

On Thursday, April 30th, they’re opening their doors to the community and inviting anyone who’s curious to come see what this program actually does.

The first part of the program features the volunteers explaining how the program operates. 

During the second half they will move outside for live drone demonstrations to give attendees a close look at the equipment in action, with pilots on hand to walk through specific missions and answer questions. 

The conversation will also cover how police departments, fire agencies, cities, and utility companies across the region are expanding their use of drones — and where volunteer programs fit into that picture.

The event also marks the opening of applications for the next semester of NEMCo UAS Ground School. The NEMCo UAS program has open positions across every level of operations — no previous drone experience required.

Volunteer roles include ground team support, air team operations, flight coordination, piloting, photo and video editing, 2D mapping, and live video feed management. 

You don’t have to do it all, but if you have an interest in an area, we can use you! All community members are welcome for this training. For students aged 15 and up, the training provides applied STEM knowledge with real operational context that no classroom replicates.

The Air Squirrels are not a government agency. They’re your neighbors — teachers, engineers, business managers, and retirees — who chose to build something useful for the communities they live in. 

The April 30th event is an invitation to understand what that looks like, and for the right people, a chance to become part of it.

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LFP Community Safety meeting March 31, 2026

Meeting at LFP Library

Lake Forest Park Community Safety Meeting!

LFP King County Library meeting room, Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 5:00-7:30pm.

Please join members of the LFP Community to discuss how we can work together to keep our community safe.

You're welcome to join us for the entire timeframe or swing by and share your thoughts.

We plan to discuss issues ranging from emergency and earthquake preparedness to the impact of ICE deployments.

The library is on the lower level lobby of LFP Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way.

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Shoreline ACS expands its role

Shoreline ACS van with satellite connection

By Jon Anscher

Shoreline ACS

Public Information Officer

When disasters strike, one of the first things to fail is communication. Phones become overloaded, internet access may be disrupted, and responders need reliable information to understand what’s happening.

In Shoreline, a group of trained volunteers helps fill that gap. Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) supports local emergency responders by providing backup communications and situational information when it matters most. 

Many people think of ACS as primarily radio operators. In Shoreline, that role is expanding. The Auxiliary Communications Emergency & Disaster Information Team—known as ACEDIT—brings multiple lines of communication into a single hub for sharing information with emergency response partners. 

ACEDIT is designed to bring together information from many sources and share it quickly with emergency responders. The goal is simple: help responders understand what’s happening faster, and with better context. 

ACS primary repeater antenna at the CRISTA tower on Fremont and N 193rd at 285' 

Last summer, the ACEDIT team put this approach into practice during a visit from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. In collaboration with the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) Drone Team and event security, ACEDIT established a mobile drone command center inside its communications van, a re-purposed aid van that serves as the organization’s mobile operations hub. 

Live drone feeds were sent to the van and streamed directly to on-site security, giving them a real-time view of activity around the building and helping them make informed security decisions throughout the event. 

This fall, ACEDIT began incorporating tools like CalTopo into training exercises. Shoreline ACS volunteers use these tools in the field to record locations, notes, and images, sharing that information back to the communications van in real time or once connectivity becomes available. 

ACS Communications van
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The result is a clearer, more complete picture of conditions as they unfold. 

ACEDIT represents a shift in how Shoreline ACS supports emergency response by bringing together on-the-ground observations, technology, and trained volunteers into a single, coordinated effort. 

As emergencies grow more complex, projects like ACEDIT help ensure that local responders have the information they need, when they need it, powered by neighbors volunteering their time, training, and technical expertise. 

Shoreline ACS plans to continue refining ACEDIT through training, partnerships, and community engagement, strengthening the region’s ability to respond when it matters most. Community members interested in learning more about Shoreline ACS or volunteering can find information here.

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Get First Aid Certified with the Shoreline Fire Department

Sorry - this class is full. Future classes will be posted first on the Fire website.

May 13th and June 6th are the next two classes after our FULL April class. 

Sign up now!

Shoreline Fire Department offers American Heart Association (AHA) CPR/AED and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Classes throughout the year. 

Whether you need certification for work, volunteering, or personal preparedness, our expert instructors provide hands-on training to equip you with life-saving skills.

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 5:30pm
Location: Station 61 – 17525 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline (enter from southbound Aurora)

CPR-Only Option: If you only need CPR certification, you may attend the first portion of the class from 1:00pm – 3:00pm

This class includes:

• CPR/AED training for adults, children, and infants
• Choking relief techniques
• First aid basics, including wound care, burns, and medical emergencies

Cost:

• CPR-Only: Free or $50 with an official AHA certification card
• Full CPR/AED & First Aid Class: Free or $75 with an official AHA certification card
• Payment: Exact cash or check only

Take advantage of this opportunity to gain life-saving skills and be prepared for emergencies.

For more information and to register, please visit Shoreline Fire Department. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

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When to call 988 vs 911

A great graphic to help you understand when to call 911 vs. when to call 988.

Washington Emergency Management Division

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NEMCo offers 3-day CERT Basic Training course starting April 25, 2026

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) is pleased to offer the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training, beginning Saturday, April 25, 2026.

This free, three‑day course equips community members with practical skills to prepare for emergencies, disasters, and other incidents. No prior experience is required, CERT is designed for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Classes are presented by trained CERT instructors in the areas of Fire Safety, Basic First Aid, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search & Rescue, Utility Management, and overall preparedness. Regardless of your age, background, experience or capabilities, there is something you can do to help yourself, your family and your community.

The program features interactive, easy-to-follow lessons with hands-on practice, culminating in a realistic disaster simulation to apply your new skills with confidence.

Course Details

Class: Community CERT Basic Program

Dates: 

• Saturday, April 25
• Sunday, April 26
• Saturday, May 2

Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Kenmore, Fire Station 51 7220 NE 181st Street Kenmore, WA 98028

Cost: Free

Registration Sign up online here

Additional resources: CERT Class,

For more information, contact Kevin Lowery, Emergency Manager at klowery@cityoflfp.gov or visit www.NorthshoreEMC.com.

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Local Emergency Management Coalition goes the extra mile to provide extra support to December King County Flood Response

Photo Courtesy King County Emergency Management 1994 Annual Report[ 

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) and its Emergency Manager, Kevin Lowery, have spent the past several years training and growing their Volunteer Corps to serve their partners, the Cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore and the Shoreline Fire Department. 

However, when the December weather event passed through without a significant impact on their communities, The Volunteer Corps jumped into action to assist the King County Office of Emergency Management during the activation of their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Renton for their response to the historic high water levels and prolonged flooding.

In a coordination call for King County Emergency Managers, which included Lowery, the county EOC expressed a need for volunteer call takers to answer and route incoming calls overnight. This important role is responsible for routing the calls to the proper EOC component (command staff, logistics, resource management, operations, joint information center, or planning) and to pass quality information to or from callers.

Over the course of the event, The NEMCo Volunteer Corp provided seven volunteers to cover several 12-hour shifts, including shifts on Christmas Eve. Two of these volunteers were selected in part because they were National Incident Management System (NIMS) trained and certificated volunteers. 

Katrina Rose, a NIMS certified volunteer, FCC licensed radio operator, and NEMCO Operations Section Chief, and Alan Coburn, a NIMS certified volunteer, FCC licensed radio operator, and Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Services President, were some of the first volunteers to answer the county’s request.

The NIMS training and certification is critical training for these volunteers because it confirms that the volunteer understands the NIMS organization, processes, authorities, and priorities in the EOC and can contribute immediately and positively to the efficient and effective EOC operation.

As call takers, Katrina and Alan answered and documented all incoming call conversations, actions taken, and referrals to EOC components best equipped to answer the needs of the caller. 

Additionally, they were responsible for controlling access to the secured facility and, when both paid professionals and volunteers signed out after their shift, monitoring the status of EOC personnel to ensure they arrived at their destination safely. This safety protocol is a critical consideration since personnel, depending on the incident, might be travelling through flood, high wind, snow, ice, or earthquake impacted areas after shift.

Being favorably impressed by the EOC’s smooth operations, shift transition briefings (held every 12 hours), and staff professionalism, Katrina and Alan found the EOC to be a warm, professional, helpful, and collegial environment that allowed many key decision makers to be coordinating the response from the same room. 

Consequently, EOC staff could literally walk across the room or turn and talk to the appropriate person at one of the 128+ workstations to resolve a problem, get additional information, or find additional help.

All levels of government were in the EOC coordinating and synchronizing the integrated government response. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington National Guard, Flood Warning Center, King County sheriff’s office, and King County roads were among the local, state, and federal governments in the EOC to coordinate delivery of services across King County.

Katrina commented that “the energy in the EOC and the intensity of the operations flowed and ebbed in response to events in the field. When a levee failure raised the alarm, people in harm’s way were immediately warned to evacuate affected areas and Operations moved assets needed for levee repair into place. A satisfied, vigilant calm then returned when the crisis was successfully managed.”

Alan noted from his experience, 

“It was a smooth running, very professional machine, humming 24/7 and delivering great service to King County citizens. It operated just like we expected based on our National Incident Management System training. The shift-change briefings every 12 hours were just what you would hope for; clear, concise, and complete to assure seamless handoff of incident context, actions, and information to assure continuity of the very effective response.”

Even when a tree went down in Lake Forest Park during this disaster and the volunteers were once again called to help, this time by a partner agency, the NEMCo Volunteer Corps was able to continue to serve both locally and at the King County EOC. This demonstrates the spirit of cooperation that makes the Emergency Management system work but also illustrates how preparing locally can have a positive impact countywide.

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Sen. Patty Murray with King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Emergency Operation Center

Photo courtesy King County

County Exec Zahilary hosted Senator Patty Murray at King County’s Emergency Operations Center to show her how our teams coordinate response efforts and to introduce her to the dedicated staff working around the clock to keep our communities safe. 

"We walked through our flood response operations and discussed on-the-ground needs with local leaders, focusing on how federal, state, and local partnerships can work together to support residents impacted by flooding and accelerate recovery. 

"I’m grateful for Senator Murray’s leadership and for her continued partnership as we work to make sure communities get the resources they need, when they need them."

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Schedule Change: Shoreline Fire offers free emergency preparedness classes

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline Fire will offer a free class on disaster preparedness

Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 6 - 8pm

New date Wednesday February 25, 2026 from 6 - 8pm

Fire station 51 at 7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA 98028

This class will be conducted by Captain Andrew Leith, who brings 23 years of experience at Shoreline. 

Captain Leith is a member of the WA State FEMA Task Force 1, Wildland Team, Technical Rescue Team, Rescue Swimmer, and is assigned to the northend Heavy Rescue Crew.

Learn about:

• How the 911 system operates
• Essential supplies you should have on hand
• Safely shutting off utilities in case of an emergency
• Fire extinguisher operation
• Tips for joining the community disaster response team

CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Classes

In addition, the department offers monthly CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Classes for Free / $50 if you need official certification.

The schedule and sign up is here

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How King County got people out of harm’s way and better protected homes and infrastructure years before the current flooding

Major floodplain restoration projects completed in recent years by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks has reduced flood risks along the Green, Cedar, and Snoqualmie rivers, getting people out of harm’s way long before the current flooding began earlier this month.

Applying a multi-benefit approach to floodplain restoration has reduced flood risks for people, homes, and infrastructure while also improving habitat for fish and wildlife. 

The Department of Natural Resources and Parks has partnered with the independent King County Flood Control District to restore natural systems that absorb and slow the flow of rivers during floods in addition to offering home buyouts so residents in flood-prone areas can choose to relocate to safer ground, decreasing the need for emergency evacuations.

The flood-risk reduction strategy is in addition to King County’s emergency response that includes the Flood Patrol and the Flood Warning Center that have been operating nonstop since the rivers began rising December 8, 2025.

“A big reason our frontline responders have not had to perform more emergency evacuations is because we had already gotten a lot of families out of harm’s way years before the current storm hit our region,” said John Taylor, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

“By unifying our work to simultaneously reduce flood risks and improve habitat, our employees and partners have prevented flood damages and potentially saved lives.”

More information here

--King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks

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Are you Connected? FCC-Licensed Radio Operators still needed for Shoreline neighborhoods

Congratulations!!! After just one request, (see previous article) primary BE THE CONNECTION positions have been filled for Ballinger, Briarcrest, Hillwood, Highland Terrace, North City, Parkwood, Richmond Beach, Richmond Highlands, and Ridgecrest neighborhoods. All backup, secondary BE THE CONNECTION positions remain open for these neighborhoods.

Primary AND secondary BE THE CONNECTION positions still unfilled in Echo Lake, Highlands, Innis Arden, Crista, Meridian Park leaving these neighborhoods unconnected. 

Which leaves the following question unanswered: ”Who do you call when 911 does not answer?”

We Shoreliners have it all! Paradise AND: Ice storms! Snowstorms! Windstorms! Earthquakes! Tsunamis! Volcanos. And they all mean the same……

• No power. No heat. No gas. No water. No cell. No 911.
• No cash machines. No groceries. No Internet. No fun.

Stay connected! Stay informed! Stay safe!

Be the CONNECTION in your neighborhood.

How to get CONNECTED? 

Check in periodically on your schedule on Mondays, 7:30pm (1930), 442.825 (103.5), to make sure you and your radio are still working & ready!

If you are overly busy but have a little room on your schedule like many of us, put the ‘check in’ on your calendar right now. Make it a healthy habit. It is like brushing your teeth.

Each of Shoreline’s Neighborhoods needs several FCC-licensed radio operators to report conditions during storms, outages, and loss of cell service or in the wake of the Big One! 

Put that hard earned license and radio to work on your terms for you, your family, and your community.

Requirements:

• FCC amateur radio license
• Operate from home
• Report neighborhood conditions (fires, injuries, flooding, wind or ice damage, loss of power, water, gas, cell service, Internet, etc)
• Receive and provide relief information; where is the water, food, and shelter.
• Monitor 442.825 MHz, T 103.5 during incidents for the latest information
• Check in periodically on Mondays, 442.825 (103.5), 7:30pm, to make sure you and your radio are still working & are ready! If you are serious, put it on your calendar right now.

Successful applicants will:

• Get prepared.
• Report neighborhood conditions during & after emergencies
• Keep neighborhood fully informed of relief supplies (water, food, shelter) distribution times & locations
• Strengthen community resilience
• Be the trusted voice when systems fail
• BE THE CONNECTION!

Email for more information: shorelineacs@gmail.com

Check this webpage

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CPR/AED Certification Class hosted by Shoreline Fire January 14, 2026

Photo by Carl Dinse

CPR/AED Certification Class 

January 14, 2026

offered by Shoreline Fire

About the Class

Join us for a CPR/AED Certification Class hosted by Shoreline Fire Department. 

This course follows American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines and provides essential life-saving skills for emergencies.

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Station 51 – 7220 NE 181st ST, Kenmore, WA

This class covers:
✔️ Adult, child, and infant CPR
✔️ AED use and operation
✔️ Choking relief techniques

Who Should Attend?
YOU! This course is ideal for workplace safety requirements, volunteers, caregivers, or anyone wanting to be prepared for an emergency.

Class Fees & Certification Options

$Cost: FREE (Attendance only)
$50 (Includes official AHA certification card)

💰Payment: Exact cash or check only

Registration & More Information

Pre-registration is required. Spaces are limited, so sign up early!

Register here

Questions? Contact us at cpr@shorelinefire.com

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Empower Your Community with Life-Saving Skills This Holiday Season - open house December 2, 2025

Photo courtesy WestCoast CPR Training

At WestCoast CPR Training, we believe in the power of community and the importance of being prepared. 

This Thanksgiving weekend, we are excited to offer a special opportunity for everyone in our community to learn and practice essential life-saving skills.

Free Open House Event: Learn Hands-Only CPR and Use a Defibrillator Trainer

Join us this Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm at our WestCoast CPR Training center at 17544 Midvale Ave N. Suite 201, Shoreline, WA 98133. (206) 629-5295

 This free event is open to everyone and provides a unique chance to gain hands-on experience with compression-only CPR and defibrillator trainers. Our state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable instructors will guide you through the basics, ensuring you leave with valuable skills that could save a life. 

Certifications are not included, but the knowledge you gain is priceless.

Special Thanksgiving Promotions

In addition to our free open house, we are thrilled to offer the following promotions to help you stay safe at work and home.

• For Businesses: Book a private CPR & First Aid class for your workplace by December 31, 2025, and receive $100 off your training session. Empower your team with life-saving skills and enjoy peace of mind knowing they are prepared for any emergency.
• For Individuals: Book a CPR class in December and receive a FREE CPR mask with your training. Use the promo code "Thankful" at checkout to take advantage of this special offer. It's the perfect time to learn a new skill and give yourself or a loved one the gift of safety.

At WestCoast CPR Training, we are committed to making our community a safer place, one class at a time. We look forward to seeing you at our open house and helping you gain the confidence to act in an emergency. Together, we can make a difference.

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NEMCo annual Community Emergency Preparedness Workshop December 6, 2025

NEMCo is excited to host its annual Community Emergency Preparedness Workshop

• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Time: Check-in at 8:30 AM - Workshop: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
• Location: Shoreline Fire Station 51 in Kenmore 7220 NE 181st.

Registration required

• Contact: NEMCo.outreach@gmail.com
• Website: NorthshoreEMC.com

This year’s theme centers on empowering community members to take action during the critical early hours following an emergency or a disaster. Through a series of engaging presentations, participants will learn practical strategies for personal and family emergency preparedness.

The workshop will also feature hands-on demo stations where attendees can:

• Explore water and sanitation safety techniques
• Learn how to assemble various types of go-bags
• Practice simple yet effective first aid and tourniquet skills
• Discover radio communication options for when cell and internet service is unavailable

All activities will take place in a fun, interactive environment led by our experienced volunteers.

Don’t miss the grand finale, a live fire demonstration where you’ll learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher!

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NEMCo Community Preparedness Fair October 11, 2025

Reminder: NEMCo's free Community Preparedness Fair on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10am - 2pm at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park.

Learn how to keep your family safe when an emergency or disaster strikes. 

Highlights include hands-on demos such as fire suppression and drones, guidance on emergency plans, first aid, water and shelter, and opportunities to talk directly with volunteers, vendors, and NEMCo’s emergency manager.

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Community Preparedness Fair October 11, 2025 at Third Place Commons

Community Preparedness Fair

Saturday October 11, 2025 from 10am to 2pm

Third Place Commons, Town Center upper level

Intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE

Disasters, both natural and human-made, can occur without warning. NEMCo is dedicated to educating our Northshore community on how to be better prepared and equipped to care for themselves in the event of an emergency. 

In a major disaster, it could take up to two weeks for first responders to reach everyone—so having a personal and family preparedness plan is absolutely essential.

We will be offering educational materials and several demos to provide guidance on developing a preparedness/communication plan, basic first aid, water, sanitation, shelters, emergency radios, and so much more! 

It’s also a great opportunity for our community members to ask any questions of our volunteers, NEMCo’s emergency manager, and any of our vendors. 

Demos on fire suppression and drones will be a fun interactive experience for all ages! Plus, we’ll have exciting raffle prizes! It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and be empowered.

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Free Virtual Sessions help local businesses build a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is offering two free, one-hour virtual sessions to help small and medium-sized businesses prepare for disruptions such as power outages, natural disasters, or supply chain issues.

Led by Tristan Allen, Public Private Partnerships (P3) Program Manager at the Washington State Emergency Management Division, the sessions will guide participants through the basics of creating a Business Continuity Plan (BCP). 

Attendees will learn what a BCP is, why it’s essential for even the smallest business, and how to use a free toolkit to get started.

“Unexpected disruptions can quickly halt operations,” said Kevin Barrett, President of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce.

“Our goal is to empower local businesses with practical tools so they can stay resilient and thrive—no matter what comes their way.”

Choose One of Two Session Options:

• Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
• Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Registration is required and can be found at shorelinechamber.org/events

The sessions are open to small business owners, managers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone responsible for business operations or emergency planning.

Space is limited, and registration is free.

About Shoreline Chamber of Commerce

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1976, is a dynamic and inclusive business organization dedicated to fostering economic growth and community prosperity in Shoreline, WA. 

With a commitment to collaboration and advocacy, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for business success and community development.

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