Preparing for evacuation: Know the terms and the numbers
Published 11:47 am Friday, October 30, 2015
Eastside Fire & Rescue officials remind residents of the rare but real possibility of having to leave the area due to threats of or immediate danger.
According to Deputy Chief Michael Boyle, “There are simply not enough emergency responders to assist everyone evacuating an area in advance of or during a disaster, so we need people to be in the best position to help themselves.”
Whether it be a community which is threatened with a chemical release, several communities in the path of a wildfire, or a regional disaster caused by a weather event or earthquake, understanding what officials are asking residents to do is essential in the fast and efficient movement of people to safe ground.
State, county, and local emergency managers use the three-tier alerting notification process, which does not require, but suggests actions for residents to do during dangerous situations that are escalating.
Level One – There is a need to get and remain informed. Tune into local media outlets or official government stations. Consult your family emergency plan, or start making one for possible evacuation. Keep in mind the needs of family members with disabilities, pets or other special circumstances.
Level Two – Officials have determined there is a rising threat and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a designated shelter outside the significant risk area, or be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. This notification may be followed within minutes by a level three alert.
Level Three – Officials believe there is an immediate threat and evacuation should take place without delay. You are not required to leave, but if you stay you add to the challenges faced by responders.
Emergency information for Valley cities
North Bend
Mark Rigos, Director of Emergency Services
Normal hours: (425) 888-0486
Emergency Operations Center: (425) 888-0486, Option 1
After Hours Emergency: 425-736-7697
Tanner Electric: (425) 888-0623
Puget Sound Energy : (888) 225-5773
Seattle City Light: (206) 684-7400 or (206) 684-3000
Police: (425) 888-3333
Fire: (425) 313-3200
Emergency Radio: AM 1650
Snoqualmie
Mark Correira, Director of Emergency Management
Normal hours: (425) 888-1551
Emergency Operations Center: (425) 888-5911
Emergency Alert System: Register at http://bit.ly/SnoqualmieEAS
Twitter: @SnoqualmieGov
Puget Sound Energy : (888) 225-5773
Seattle City Light: (206) 684-7400 or (206) 684-3000
Police: (425) 888-3333
Fire: (425) 888-1551
Emergency Radio: AM 1650
Fall City
Police: (206) 296-3311
Fire: (425) 222-5841
Puget Sound Energy : (888) 225-5773
Carnation
Police: (206) 296-3311
Fire: (425) 313-3200
Fire and EMS Snoqualmie: (425) 888-1551
North Bend: (425) 313-3200
Fall City: (425) 222-5841
Carnation: (425) 313-3200
KCFD 45/ Duvall: (425) 788-1625
Other Services
King County Flood Warning System: (206) 296-8200 or (800) 945-9263
King County Roads (unincorporated): (800) 527-6237
Washington Poison Center: (800) 222-1222
American Red Cross serving King County: (206) 323-2345 or (360) 377-3761
