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When making the case for why your business should invest time, effort and resources toward safety and disaster preparedness consider:
Taking it Home will help your employees prepare for disasters at home and in doing so, be able to return to work sooner. These activities also reinforce the monthly safety messages promoted at the workplace.
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Minimize the Risk Washington is earthquake country, and according to the USGS, our State is fifth on the list of states with the most earthquakes. The latest significant earthquake occurred in February 2001. The magnitude 6.8 Nisqually earthquake shook the Puget Sound area causing extensive damage. February marks the anniversary of the Nisqually earthquake. This earthquake and the recent events in Haiti, serve as important reminders of our region's vulnerability to earthquakes and our need to prepare. Minimizing hazards in the workplace will not only reduce the risk of injuries and loss of life for employees and customers, but also help guarantee your level of continued service by reducing down time. During the month of February identify potential dangers in your workplace and take action to remedy the hazards you find. Resources: Green River Valley Businesses: For businesses within the Green River Valley - see our Green River Valley Flood page - Business and Community Organization section for information, resources and links to help in your planning, mitigation, response and recovery efforts. |
Imagine trying to move through your house to check on your loved ones after an earthquake - what hazards would you encounter? The most common personal injury resulting from an earthquake is cut feet. Broken glass from picture frames, mirrors, or other glass objects can cause serious injury, and even death. A simple fix: secure your wall hangings and other items to reduce this risk. Also, keep a pair of sturdy, well-fitting shoes near your bed in case you have to flee in a hurry. It is simple, easy and inexpensive. Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: Green River Valley Residents: See our Green River Valley Flood page for important flood information and links. |
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Key to Success: Preparedness The Small Business Administration suggests that an emergency plan is as important as your business plan. An emergency plan may make the difference between being shut down for a few days, and losing your livelihood. The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan "is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies" (OSHA). The new year is a great time to review or develop your emergency action plans. Resources: |
We often think "it won't happen here", but as we have seen in recent years disasters such as floods, severe winter storms, and extended power outages do occur across our state. We must accept this fact and take the responsibility to prepare our loved ones, homes and neighborhoods. Prepare in a Year is an innovative and simple approach to disaster preparedness. You simply choose one hour each month and complete the designated activity. You can start any time of the year, but why not make disaster preparedness a part of your New Year's commitment. Green River Valley Residents: See our Green River Valley Flood page for important flood information and links. |
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Winter Weather Precautions Winter storms in Washington can range from days-long drizzle to moderate snow or even blizzard conditions with blinding, wind-driven snow. As we have experienced over the last several years, these types of storms can cause extended power outages. A disaster supply kit can be invaluable during and after a disaster or extended event. It is possible you will have to rely on the supplies available in your kit for the first 72 hours following a disaster. A properly stocked kit will help ensure the comfort and welfare of your employees and customers. Is your disaster kit prepared? Green River Valley Businesses: For businesses within the Green River Valley - see our Green River Valley Flood page - Business and Community Organization section for information, resources and links to help in your planning, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.
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During the winter months, we tend to not venture outdoors as much. This is a great time to conduct a home hazard hunt. Take 30 minutes to walk through your home and identify potential hazards. You can also take simple steps to secure any hazards you find and protect your home and loved ones. Green River Valley Residents: See our Green River Valley Flood page for important flood information and links. |
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Cold Weather & Flood Preparedness Important, or essentials records, contain vital information that would cause a disruption of business if the records were damaged or lost in a disaster. These records include media such as paper, photographic images, microfilm, electronic data systems, electronic images, maps and drawings, or any other media used for recording information of all types. Severe weather in Washington may increase the possibility of disasters such as flooding, wind storms, and power outages. Planning for, and protecting your essential records in advance, will minimize the disruption of operations and reduce the economic impact of a disaster to your business. Green River Valley Businesses: For businesses within the Green River Valley, being prepared for potential flooding is critical. See our Green River Event page - Business and Community Organization section for information, resources and links to help in your planning, mitigation, response and recovery efforts. |
Being prepared at home is just as important as being prepared at the workplace. A fire, flood, or broken water pipe could cause serious damage to your home. Take action now to protect and store your important documents. Green River Valley Residents: See our Green River page for important information on how to prepare for flooding, what to do if a flood occurs, and how to recover if your home is flooded. |
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Windstorm Preparedness The series of windstorms we have experienced over the last several years caused severe damage and left many businesses and homes without power for extended periods. In addition to power outages, windstorms can also create hazardous conditions such as the danger of downed power lines. For example, during the December 2006 windstorm, Puget Sound Energy reported that 85 high voltage transmission lines were knocked down by trees. Take the time this month to train employees to safely move and work around downed power lines and electrical wires.
It is critical to prepare for the possibility of flooding. See our Green River Event web page - Business and Community Organization section for information, resources and links to help in your planning, mitigation, response and recovery efforts. |
Preparedness at home requires action to be taken before an event occurs. Take the time now to identify where your utilities are located and learn how to safely shut them off. Green River Valley Residents - In addition to preparing for potential windstorms and power outages, it is critical to prepare for the possibility of flooding should we experience significant rainfall this year. See our Green River Event web page for information, resources and links to help in your preparedness and mitigation activities. |
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National Disaster Preparedness Month
In preparing for the up-coming storm season, it is critical to be alert to potential situations that can threaten your business and property. The NOAA Weather Radio can alert you to a threat and provide critical information about the threat. If you already have a weather radio, this is a good time to replace the batteries and ensure it is set to the proper frequency. If you don't have one, this is a great time to purchase one - it may save your business. We continue to encourage employers to prepare their employees and to plan for pandemic flu. See our H1N1 Flu page for guidance and information. |
Drop, Cover, Hold at home also takes practice - identify a safe place in each room and practice throughout the month of September. Take the time to fill out an Out-of-Area Contact Card for each of your loved ones. Don't forget to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 flu. Children face a higher risk. According to the World Health Organization, children and young adults between the ages of 5 to 29 years of age were the main group affected by the H1N1 flu earlier this year. Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: |
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For questions or comments please email: Business@emd.wa.gov
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