Earthquakes, snow and windstorms are common in our area and can happen at any time. Be prepared to take care of yourself, your family, neighbors, and your pets for several days in case the city is unable to help you right away. The city has information and links on our website to help you prepare for a variety of emergencies at www.cityofmlt.com/183.
Some disasters may require a significant response beyond what the city can normally supply. The city prepares for emergencies by working together with Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue and other agencies to develop preparedness, mitigation and recovery plans.
Do you have supplies to last at least three days? Do you have a plan with your family and neighbors? If not, take the time now to get prepared. If you are already prepared, it’s time to review your plans and check your supplies.
Make a kit with your emergency supplies, one for home, one for the office, and one for the car. The next time you go shopping, pick up some extra bottled water, canned food and batteries. Don’t forget about prescription medications, diapers, and personal hygiene items.
Communication is key during an emergency. Follow our Facebook and Twitter social media sites during storm events and we try to provide as much information as we can, given the availability of power and the internet. It’s also a great resource to share information with one another including with the city. In a major emergency where electronics are inoperable, look for manual posting sites at places like the Civic Center/Library, Pavilion, schools, and shopping centers. We will provide updates about food, water and shelter at these locations.
For an immediate threat to life or property, call 911. If you are not sure if your situation is an emergency call 911. Know your location. 911 services may not automatically know where you are. If you contact 911 by mistake, stay on the line. Let the dispatcher know there is no emergency.
In Snohomish County, call (425) 407-3999 for non-emergencies like illegal fireworks complaints, crimes that occurred earlier and there is no suspect information, a found pet or property item, barking dogs, or a situation where emergency services are needed, but there is no immediate danger to life or property. To report a power outage, call Snohomish County PUD at 1-877-783-1001.
Residents and businesses may also sign up to receive up-to-date emergency notifications through an emergency management alert system offered by Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management with the county’s 911 Call Centers. The city and other emergency response providers will use the alert system to warn people quickly when hazardous weather or other emergencies may affect the local area. Notifications can be via e-mail or text message. To sign up, go to www.cityofmlt.com and click on the “Round Green Icon labeled Emergency Alerts,” located toward the bottom of the page. There are also links on the city’s website for our Facebook and Twitter links in the maroon bar at the top of the page.
Check out the city’s website www.cityofmlt.com/183 and get started on your plan now before an emergency happens.
###