by Vee Hua 華婷婷
by Victor Simoes
California is usually the West Coast state most associated with earthquakes, but the Pacific Northwest is due for a “Big One” of its own. The thing is, no one knows when.
Continue reading ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold on!’ The Annual Great ShakeOut Happens This Thursdayby Ben Adlin
After working for more than 30 years for Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods, Ron Angeles understood the importance of community ties. But he worked in West Seattle while living in Rainier Beach, and after retiring, he wanted to get to know his neighbors.
The first thing that came to mind was the Seattle Police Department’s Block Watch program, under which residents are supposed to alert law enforcement to suspicious activity. “I wanted to do something a little bit more positive,” Angeles said. “Block Watch — you know, crime — it’s kind of negative.”
So he got in touch with Cindi Barker, a West Seattle–based emergency preparedness organizer he knew from his old job, and launched an emergency communications hub instead.
Continue reading After a Disaster, South Seattle Will Be on Its Own — Emergency Hubs Are Here to Helpby Ben Adlin
Seattle officials are urging residents to prepare for a series of winter storms expected to bring snow and sustained below-freezing temperatures to the region this week, warning that the severe weather could cause power outages, create problems for drivers, and put vulnerable populations at risk.
“We have to check in with our neighbors at times like this, especially our seniors and disabled neighbors,” Mayor Jenny Durkan said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “And also remember, you have the responsibility to shovel that sidewalk in front of your property.”
Agencies around King County are gearing up for the severe weather — preparing to clear roads and adjust bus routes, for example — but leaders at Wednesday’s press conference acknowledged the ongoing pandemic will complicate some efforts, such as expanding emergency shelter for people without housing.
Continue reading As Seattle Gears Up for Winter Weather, Officials Scramble to Secure Emergency Shelter
