Emergency Preparedness in the Kennydale Community

​The past year’s history of temperature extremes, floods, and hurricanes in other states serves to heighten one’s awareness that we are fortunate by comparison, but we still need to prepare for emergencies or disasters in our local neighborhood.  Kennydale and the rest of Renton, like all communities in the Puget Sound area, is susceptible to any number of man-made disasters, including the probability of earthquakes, damage from wind storms, and the possibility of fires if we were to experience the critical combination of high winds and hot, dry weather.  So, our reality here is: in a widespread disaster, communications will be disrupted, roads and bridges may be rendered impassible, and there simply will not be enough Emergency Services personnel to provide a timely response to every citizen in need.  In other words, for the first few days, we will likely be on our own; everyday activities such as getting gasoline or food, or finding a working ATM may become impossible. And if your residence is made uninhabitable or inaccessible, even basic clothing and shelter could become a challenge (remember that family, friends and neighbors will have their own problems to deal with)!.
 
The good news is: the City of Renton’s Emergency Management Dept.  has done an excellent job of preparing for emergency and disaster-related events, and also in providing increased awareness by its citizens that they too need to take responsibility for being prepared. A good way for residents to get on board is to visit the City’s website at: http://rentonwa.gov/government/default.aspx?id=2024 . There you will find a full slate of useful information such as how to:

• assemble a Disaster Supply Kit
• develop a Family Emergency Preparedness Plan
• make it through an event, once it occurs

and much, much more.  This website also provides information on all of the training that is offered in order to make citizens more proficient in handling emergencies and disasters.  On the website, click on the Disaster Preparedness Training tab, and then on the “current catalog is available here” link.
 
Perhaps the best first step is to download the “Disaster Supply Kit, buy a couple of 40 gallon garbage cans, and look around your garage and closets for clothing, cooking supplies, extra food, basic camping gear and other  items that appear on the Kit list..  You may need to buy some items, or perhaps do some trading with friends/neighbors so that you all are basically prepared (check out the Kennydale Neighborhood garage sale on June 23rd, too).  Then find a secure storage area to put your containers where they will be accessible after an earthquake.  Keep an inventory list, update it as needed, and keep an eye on the expiration dates for the food. ​