Disaster Preparedness

A disaster can occur at any time, and while there are trained professionals ready to respond in the moments following a disaster, the impact of any catastrophe can be minimized when a level of personal planning is in place. 

Preparedness Tools

The Washington State Military Department provides resource information to help you prepare for disasters. 

Thurston County Emergency Management helps to prepare and coordinate response for disasters that impact the residents in Thurston County.

Resources such as Map Your Neighborhood classes, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, Faith Communities Preparedness coordination, personal preparedness tools and resources. 

Emergency Preparedness Expo

An annual Emergency Preparedness Expo is organized by the county and hosted by partner agencies. More information on the expo, including guest speakers and vendor exhibits, can be found on Thurston County's Emergency Preparedness website.

Create a 72-hour Emergency Kit

The National Weather Service recommends that the following supplies be available for winter storm situations:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside world.
• Extra food and water. Have high-energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts, and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
• Extra medicine and baby items.
• First-aid supplies.
• Heating fuel. Refuel before you are empty. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.
• Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater. (Be sure to use each heating item properly to prevent a fire, and make sure there is proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.)
• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm. Test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly.
• Make sure pets have plenty of food, medication, water, and shelter too.