Showing posts with label emergency preparedness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label emergency preparedness. Show all posts

Amateur Radio license courses starting March 9 and 30

Monday, February 9, 2015

Amateur or “ham” radio Technician and Extra License courses will be offered by the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) Monday evenings starting in March.

The Extra license course will begin on Monday, March 9 and run for ten weeks. The entry-level Technician course will begin on Monday, March 30 and run for seven consecutive Monday evenings (It is not required to attend every class). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exam for both courses is scheduled on Monday, May 18th.  

The beginner level Technician license is required for entry into the fascinating hobby of “ham” radio. It’s all about getting on the air and communicating with a region-wide network of ham radio operators for fun or community service.

For those already holding the Technician and General licenses, the Extra license is the senior-most license that offers access to more power output and frequencies required for world-wide communications. 

Both courses are held at the Brier City Hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at 2901 228th Street, SW, Brier, WA 98036.  

There is no charge for the course with the exception of the Technician or Extra class book available through ESCA at a discounted price of $25 if ordered at least two weeks before the class begins (February 23). The Federal Communication Commission’s fee for Technician and Extra exam is $15 paid to the examiners on the night of the exam.  

For more information and/or to register contact Course Manager, Vickie Fontaine, 425-776-3722 vickie@esca1.com

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency was created by the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Woodinville, and the Town of Woodway to provide city government disaster planning, mitigation, response, and recovery services.  


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Emergency Planning for Families - Shoreline Library tonight

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 7-8pm in the large meeting room of the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th, Andrew Leith of the Shoreline Fire Department will present an "all hazards" emergency planning for families which includes information on fire, earthquake, winter storms, flooding, and more.

The presentation will include a bit about Fire and EMS operations, basic first aid, and proper use of 9-1-1. The presentation is aimed at adults, but children are welcome.


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Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan for LFP now available for review and comment

Thursday, January 22, 2015

The draft Lake Forest Park Hazard Mitigation Plan is now available for review and comment by the community.

A partnership of local governments and regional stakeholders in King County is working together to update the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The purpose of this plan is to help local governments reduce the exposure of residents to risks from natural hazards, such as earthquakes and floods. This plan was first created in 2004 and was updated in 2009. The Federal law provides that these plans be updated every five years.

A Hazard Mitigation Plan is prepared by local governments in response to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390). These plans allow access to federal funding afforded under the Robert T. Stafford Act. These plans meet statutory requirements that include:

  • Organizing resources
  • Assessing risk
  • Engaging the public
  • Identifying goals and objectives
  • Identifying actions
  • Developing plan maintenance and implementation strategies

The community provided feedback in November of last year, which was incorporated into the plan.

The draft plan will be posted on the City’s website for four weeks until February 20, 2015. Comments on the draft plan should directed to Chief Steve Sutton, Lake Forest Park Police Department.


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LFP residents invited to participate in Hazard Mitigation Plan survey

Monday, November 24, 2014

To prevent loss of life and protect property from the ten known natural hazards in the region, avalanches, dam failures, earthquakes, floods, landslides, severe weather, winter storms, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and fires, the City of Lake Forest Park updates its Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years.

The public comment period began Friday, November 21, 2014 and ends at 5:00pm on Monday, December 15, 2014. The public is invited to help the City build its next plan by offering comments via an online survey, accessed at the link provided below.

At the conclusion of the comment period, City Planners will put the final touches on the plan, which will be presented to the Planning Commission in January 2015. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Hazard Mitigation Survey

A partnership of local governments and regional stakeholders in King County is working together to update the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this plan is to help local governments reduce the exposure of County residents to risks from natural hazards, such as earthquakes and floods. By writing this plan, local governments are able to apply to Federal programs that may provide money that can be used to reduce risks before and after natural disasters. This plan was first created in 2004 and was updated in 2009.

The City of Lake Forest Park needs your help to plan for the possibility of future disasters. We would like to find projects that will help reduce or avoid impacts from natural hazard events. The following questions will help us measure how much local citizens already know about disaster related issues and will help us identify areas where we need to improve. The information you provide will help us organize activities and prioritize projects to reduce the risk of injury or damage to property from future hazard events.

The survey consists of three questions, and there is an opportunity to provide additional comments at the end. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete the survey. When you have finished the survey, please click "Done" on the final page.

The Lake Forest Park Emergency Management team thanks you for taking the time to participate in this important information gathering process.

The Police Department would like to hear from the community. Please click on the link below to answer a three question survey on the hazard mitigation survey:



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Are the Schools Prepared? A Report on Shoreline School District Emergency Preparedness

Sunday, November 23, 2014

By Marianne Deal Stephens

Following the recent incident in Marysville, local parents are understandably concerned about school safety and the capacity of the district to handle an emergency. At the November 17 Shoreline School Board Meeting, Don Dalziel, District Director of School Safety and Facility Use, and Chuck Goodwin, District Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, provided an update on readiness for various types of emergencies.

The district takes an all-hazards approach, meaning that it prepares for both natural (earthquake, snow, floods, winds) and manmade (hazardous materials, violence) incidents. The State requires drills of different types for the various hazards, and schools in the district have a minimum of one drill per month.

In late 2012, the district initiated a review and revision of emergency procedures, convening an 18-member task force. Between January and March 2013, new lockout and lockdown procedures were finalized, more than 800 staff were trained, and new Emergency Flip Charts (using a checklist approach) were installed in all classrooms. Each school has an Incident Command System (ICS) and maintains a cache of emergency supplies should students and staff need to stay at the school for a length of time. In addition to internal preparations, the district has partnered with the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park police and fire departments and city governments.

In September 2014, the Lake Forest Park Police Department and the district held a full-scale exercise on a non-student day. See previous article.   In October 2014, the district also held a functional exercise at the Shoreline Center.

For the 2014-15 school year, the district has several points of emphasis, as outlined by Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Chuck Goodwin, including:

  • Mr. Goodwin in front of all staff members at least once
  • Help schools update and train ICS (Incident Response System) teams
  • Help schools with 3-day large-scale emergency event response plan (i.e., earthquake)
  • Help schools with emergency supplies assessment

When asked how our level of preparedness compares with peer districts, Director Don Dalziel answered “quite well,” and explained that in 2008 the answer would have been much different since the district did not have its present level of awareness and planning. Mr. Goodwin fielded questions from the board about student use of electronic devices during incidents. The district is aware of poor cell phone reception in the high schools, and Mr. Goodwin has trained teachers how to coach student use of social media.


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Shoreline Fire offers free Home Safety class Tuesday

Wednesday, October 29, 2014


Shoreline Fire Department offers a free class on Tuesday, November 4 at 6:30pm at Shoreline Fire Department, Station 61, 17525 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline 98133.

Home Safety Class: Disaster Preparedness

Topics:
  • What happens when I call 911?
  • Who shows up at my home after I call 911?
  • How do I use a fire extinguisher?
  • What is an escape plan?
  • What do I do during a natural disaster?
  • How do I shut off my utilities when disaster strikes?
  • Questions from attendees regarding disaster preparedness

Light snacks will be served
Some parking available - enter from southbound Aurora.


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Author of Zombie Safety and Self-defense Handbook at Zombie Fair

Monday, October 6, 2014

Author Kevin Cole will be at
the Zombie Preparedness Fair Saturday

Join Shoreline Police, Fire, the Office of Emergency Management, and the author of Zombie Safety and Self-defense Handbook as they help prepare you for your next emergency at the Zombie Preparedness and Safety Fair Saturday, October 11, from 9am to 2pm, 17500 Midvale Ave N in front of Shoreline City Hall.

Kevin Cole, author of Zombie Safety and Self-defense Handbook will be on hand to sign books.

While the threat of zombie attack might be extremely low, preparing for one means you'll be prepared for any kind of disaster.



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Zombie Preparedness & Family Safety Fair Oct 11 at City Hall

Friday, October 3, 2014



While the threat of zombie attack might be extremely low, preparing for one means you'll be prepared for any kind of disaster.

Come to the Zombie Preparedness and Family Safety Fair to learn how to be safe from zombies and all the other things that haunt you (earthquake, landslide, fires, and crime).

Learn about making an emergency kit, fire prevention and lifesaving acts and how to prevent your family or business from becoming a victim of crime (or zombies).

9:00am to 2:00pm, Midvale Avenue N in front of Shoreline City Hall.



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It's almost Halloween - time for the Monster Mash Dash and the Zombie Apocalypse safety fair

Friday, August 29, 2014

It's never too early to plan for October. After all, Bartell's has had Halloween candy on the shelf for two weeks. So it must be time for you to sign up for the Monster Mash Dash!

Monster Mash Dash 5K Family Fun Run and Walk
Saturday, October 11
8:00 am
Check in at Shoreline City Hall: 17500 Midvale Ave N
$10 adults/$5 kids

For additional information call 206-801-2600

But wait! There's more. That same day:
Zombie Preparedness and Family Safety Fair
Saturday, October 11 
9am to 2pm
Shoreline City Hall.

"If you're ready for the zombie apocalypse, you're ready for any emergency" - CDC


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Amateur band radio license courses starting Sept 29 in Brier

Sunday, August 17, 2014

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) is offering two amateur radio license courses starting Monday, September 29, 2014 to prepare students for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) license examination.  

Courses for the entry and mid-level license convene simultaneously Monday evenings, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Brier City Hall for eight consecutive weeks. The courses conclude with FCC exams scheduled on November 17.  

The Brier City Hall address is 2901 228th Street, SW, Brier, WA 98036. The courses are free with the exception of a $25.00 text book and $15.00 FCC exam fee.

The beginner level amateur band radio license is required for entry into the fascinating hobby of “ham” radio. It’s all about getting on the air and communicating with a region-wide network of ham radio operators for fun, providing communications for charity events or helping governments transmit vital disaster response information when telephones fail.  

Those already holding the prerequisite license may attend the separate, but simultaneous mid-level license course. These license holders enjoy greater power output and frequency privileges required for world-wide communications. 

The textbooks for both courses are available through the ESCA office for the discounted price of $25 for the Technician and $30 for the General books.  

Contact the Course Manager, Vickie Fontaine, at 425-776-3722, to register or ask questions about getting started in amateur band radio.  

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency was created by the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Woodinville, and the Town of Woodway to provide city government disaster planning, mitigation, response, and recovery services.  


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Play The New CPR Video Game & Learn How to Save A Life

Monday, July 7, 2014


WestCoast CPR Training is demo-ing a new CPR video game this Saturday at the Shoreline Farmer's Market. That's right, a CPR video game. You've never seen anything like it. Stop by and learn how to save a life!

WestCoast CPR instructors are teaching compression only CPR with the video game. You can also learn how to use an AED, and how to save someone from choking. Get hands-on practice with these fun new training tools.


Try the Heimlich maneuver with their new anti-choking vest. It actually launches a foam dart about 12 feet when you "clear the airway." See what it really feels like to do the Heimlich maneuver and save someone from choking. 

WestCoast CPR is Shoreline's new CPR & First Aid Training Center located next door to Shoreline City Hall at 17544 Midvale Ave N. They provide blended learning CPR certification classes six days a week. To learn more about WestCoast CPR Training visit their website.


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See how King County assesses risk for 10 natural hazards

Friday, June 27, 2014

May 2014 King County Sheriff's Office
This mud slide is about 250 feet across

To prevent loss of life and protect property during 10 known natural hazards in the region, King County updates its Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years.

And what are those ten hazards? Here's the list:
  1. avalanches
  2. dam failures
  3. earthquakes
  4. floods
  5. landslides
  6. severe weather
  7. winter storms
  8. tsunamis
  9. volcanic eruptions
  10. fires
King County Emergency Management worked with 54 regional planning partners -- including cities, school districts, hospitals, fire districts, and others -- to propose updates to the plan.

The public is invited to review and comment on the latest proposed update to the plan, which includes strategies to minimize the risks associated with natural hazards. King County will host three public meetings and made the proposed update available online.

One of those public meetings will be held in Shoreline:

Thursday, July 10 at 7:00pm 
Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

The other meetings are in Snoqualmie and Issaquah.

The comment period ends July 11, 2014. Comments may be submitted at the meeting or submitted via email.

Full documents and a Frequently Asked Questions article are online at the King County webpage.


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Emergency Communications Team in Shoreline during Arts Festival

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Communications Mobile Command Vehicle
Photo Copyright Marc Weinberg.jpg

Public Demonstration and Practice of Emergency Communications 11am June 28 - 11am June 29 in the field next to the Spartan Gym at the Shoreline Center.

The Oso disaster is a vivid reminder that emergencies can happen close to home. Shoreline has a team of Emergency Communication specialists that you don’t often see. But now is your chance to have a look at what they do and how you could easily become part of that. Talk with the people who will assist the City of Shoreline, the Fire Department, The Police, Emergency Shelters, and the schools and neighborhoods where we all live. This could be during a snow storm, flood, explosion, major fire, or the earthquake we often talk about. You name it and when the city needs help this team will be there. You can be there too!

Come meet the people, your neighbors, who are trained and  prepared to help. Talk with them and see their equipment. You may have an opportunity to even try some of their radios. It is an important part of providing a valuable community service. It’s also a fun group of people who will welcome your interest and within a few months you could be communicating on a radio and part of this team. To learn more about this go to the Shoreline Auxiliary Communication Service website.   

See you there…..Saturday, June 27, 11AM to Sunday, June 28. 


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King County Council unanimously approves motion to address risk of shipping oil by rail

On Monday, the King County Council unanimously passed legislation directing emergency officials to study the risks of transporting petroleum products by rail and to prepare for possible accidents.

“We have seen the tragic results of catastrophic oil train derailments in other regions. With shipments of Bakken formation crude on the rise through King County, we must be prepared,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski, author of the motion and Chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. “It is important that we are ready to respond to any disaster that may threaten lives, our environment, or cause major disruption to our regional economy. King County is home to the spine of our regional rail infrastructure, which is critically important to our shipping and manufacturing sectors.”

The adopted motion calls on King County’s Office of Emergency Management to review and revise the County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan — in consultation with federal, state, and regional emergency response agencies, and with input from the rail carriers operating in Washington State — to specifically address the risk from increased transport of Bakken formation petroleum by rail through King County.

The motion also calls on the Office of Emergency Management to explore coordinating multijurisdictional emergency preparedness training activities, to prepare local first responders to safely handle any derailment, accidental spill or fire.

Rail carriers currently transport millions of barrels of oil a year through King County, on its way to refineries in northwest Washington. As one of the closest options for refining Bakken formation petroleum, Washington is expected to continue to see high volumes of oil transported by rail.


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CPR classes offered this summer at Shoreline Community College

Wednesday, June 18, 2014



CPR WA is holding CPR classes for students and adults this summer at Shoreline Community College.

They offer several American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED and First Aid classes. Check out the class calendar online and sign up for a class at SCC, or contact them to arrange for a group class.

They service the Greater Puget Sound region, and offer private classes for businesses, schools, healthcare providers, hospital staffs, recreational staffs, small office groups, mothers groups, large corporations and at home family training. Instructors are all AHA BLS Instructors with an array of EMS field experience. Contact Tony Mc Nair for more information.


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Do you have an Emergency Plan?

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Gail Marsh doing outreach at Einstein

Shoreline Emergency Services says:

Remember last week when Shoreline Mayor, Shari Winstead, urged citizens to have an emergency plan? It doesn’t matter your age, everyone should be prepared.

For the past two weeks, Gail Harris, City of Shoreline Emergency Management Coordinator, visited Einstein Middle School sharing her expertise on earthquakes and the importance of being prepared for any disaster.

Don’t wait, disasters can happen at any time, get prepared! Please visit Shoreline's emergency services page for more info.


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Ham radio license course starts March 11 and 31 in Brier

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Amateur or “ham” radio Technician and Extra License courses will be offered by the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) starting in March.

The entry-level Technician course will begin on Monday, March 31 and run for seven consecutive Monday evenings. The Extra license course will convene Tuesday evenings beginning on March 11th and run for seven weeks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exam for both courses is scheduled on Monday, May 19th.  

The beginner level Technician license is required for entry into the fascinating hobby of “ham” radio. It’s all about getting on the air and communicating with a region-wide network of ham radio operators for fun or community service.

For those already holding the Technician and General licenses, the Extra license is the senior-most license that offers access to more power output and frequencies required for world-wide communications. 

Both courses are held at the Brier City Hall from 7pm to 9pm at 2901 228th Street, SW, Brier, WA 98036.  

There is no charge for the course with the exception of the Technician or Extra class book available through ESCA at a discounted price of $25.00. The Federal Communication Commission’s fee for Technician and Extra exam is $15.00.  

For more information and/or to register contact Course Manager, Dan Good, at 425-776-3722.

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency was created by the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Woodinville, and the Town of Woodway to provide city government disaster planning, mitigation, response, and recovery services.  


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ESCA offers disaster preparedness classes starting Apr 1 - register now

How will you keep your family safe and assist others in a disaster?

Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. As we have seen in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, as well as other weather events, emergency responders may be delayed meeting needs of the public in the first hours following a major disaster.

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA), located in the City of Brier, is offering disaster preparedness classes to King and Snohomish county residents. CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training is about keeping yourself and your family safe and assisting others until help arrives.

Professional first responders, Emergency Managers and CERT Instructors teach students to extinguish small fires, provide life-saving first aid, conduct urban search and rescue, and perform other vital skills needed to help themselves and others after a disaster.

The course begins Tuesday, April 1st, 7pm –10pm and continues over eight consecutive Tuesday nights. The last class on May 20th is a disaster simulation for students to practice what they have learned over the eight week course.

Classes convene at the Snohomish County Fire District 1 Headquarters, 12425 Meridian Avenue, Everett

ESCA is currently accepting CERT class registrations. To register, contact Vickie Fontaine 425-776-3722.



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Community Emergency Response Team training offered in Kenmore

Tuesday, January 7, 2014


Local Emergency Management to offer FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training Wednesday nights January 14 – March 5, 2014 at Northshore Fire Department in Kenmore

The Pacific Northwest is subject to several natural hazards.  

Earthquakes, severe winter storms, urban flooding, and damaging high winds can all cause an emergency to quickly escalate into a disaster situation. Citizens can suddenly be without electricity and water, need temporary shelter, and even emergency medical care.

Cities have enough fire fighters, police and paramedics to respond to emergency situations on a routine basis. In a disaster situation when many people may need help simultaneously, emergency responders may not be immediately available to meet the needs of everyone calling 911 – if the phones are working. While local government emergency managers at Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) are bringing special teams, supplies, and equipment into the region to augment city disaster responders, citizens should be prepared to help themselves and one another until help arrives.

Disaster response history shows ordinary citizens want to help, but they need training to operate in the post-­disaster environment and understand the disaster response organization.

To prepare citizens to take care of themselves and their neighbors until help arrives, the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to local citizens starting Wednesday, January 15, 2014 and concluding on March 5th.

Fire Fighters, EMT's, Emergency Managers and CERT Program Managers deliver the three ­hour CERT classes on eight consecutive Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

Students will extinguish small fires with fire fighters, learn disaster first aid including triage and treatment, conduct urban search and rescue to extricate people trapped in buildings, and perform other vital skills needed to help others in a disaster environment.

Trained CERT members have the option to become part of a volunteer disaster response team that may deploy with professional responders.

To register, contact Vickie Fontaine at 425-776-­3722.

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency is a local government emergency management organization created by the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Woodinville, and the Town of Woodway.


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What to do if heavy rains or high winds blow into Lake Forest Park

Wednesday, November 6, 2013


Heavy rain and high winds are here again and our City’s Public Works crews are ready to remove fallen trees from the road. If wires are on the ground, call 911. Police will ensure citizen safety and contact the proper agencies. You are part of the team, too! Your participation and awareness can help. Here is how:

  1. Clear your sidewalk and nearby street drains of leaves. Do not remove the grate from the storm drain opening – this does not unclog the system and creates a hazard for everyone. Place you leaves in a yard waste container or compost bin, not on the street.
  2. Listen to the weather forecast. Have a plan in case severe weather strikes.
  3. When a heavy rain or wind storm hits, don’t drive if you don’t have to. Having fewer cars on the street during and after a storm makes it easier to clear the streets of fallen trees.
  4. Watch for and obey “Street Closed” signs. They are placed by crews for your safety.
  5. Stay away from downed power lines.
  6. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
  7. If you haven’t already done so, build a Basic Emergency Supply Kit (more info here)


If localized flooding is severe and you are unable to clear the drain, call City Hall at 206-368-5440 during business hours or, after hours, call 206-296-8100.


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