BY: R. DYER, Allied Residential

As the kids are saying, “delulu is the solulu.” When the doo-doo hits the proverbial fan, my Danger, Will Robinson! Disaster Playlist is coming along for whatever ride we inadvertently signed on for by being in the right place at the wrong time. Worst-case scenario, Gloria Gaynor sings us to whatever reward to which we are heading. Best-case scenario, our entire community enters the recovery phase together and all of us jam to We Are the Champions unironically.

It’s the one thing to watch The Last of Us snuggled up to Shitty Kitty and Brat Kat and entirely another to live it. Because I love having both indoor plumbing and electricity, the idea that we may have to survive on our own with no basic services after a disaster freaks me out.

I did a quick online search for how to get prepared and found so many easy things we could do in addition to the preps. For example I feel better knowing the evacuation levels and what they mean, and about alerts and apps we can sign up for for free:

PCALERT:

Sign Up Online at https://member.everbridge.net/453003085611267/new

Call 253-798-6595 or text "PCALERT" to 888-777 and the Tacoma Prepared app which is free on both Google Play and the App Store.

Evacuation levels from the Emergency Management and Personal Preparedness form Pierce County and City of Tacoma websites:

LEVEL 1 - BE READY: Be aware of the danger in your area and start preparing for potential evacuation. Monitor local media and check on neighbors. If you do not already have an evacuation plan or a go kit, assemble these now. Know how and where you will evacuate. Conditions can change suddenly, and you may not receive a LEVEL 2 - BE SET warning before moving to LEVEL 3 - GO NOW. Prepare both the inside and outside of your home. Leave if you feel unsafe, do not wait for an official evacuation order.

LEVEL 2 - BE SET: Be prepared for sudden evacuation. People who need help or more time to evacuate — people with disabilities, people with small children, people with medical conditions and people with large animals — should evacuate at this level. Have your go kit in your vehicle. Stay informed with local law enforcement and fire departments. Always remember to leave if you feel unsafe, do not wait for an official evacuation order. 

LEVEL 3 - GO NOW:  Danger in your area is current or imminent. Follow directions from law enforcement or fire departments and do not return home until officials have determined it is safe. Look for notifications saying it is safe to return.

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PHONE NUMBERS:

211 is part of the Washington Emergency Management Plan is a central point of contact for emergency responders, volunteers, and donors for wildfires, landslides, severe weather storms, public health advisories and manmade catastrophes. It can take the pressure off 911 and other first-responder phone systems during an emergency by providing information and referrals to organizations who offer long-term assistance to disaster-affected populations as well as information on FEMA assistance.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Services is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides emergency aid, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education. The national toll-free number is (877) 272-7337.

Red Cross regional headquarters for our area:
Northwest Region
1900 25th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 323-2345

Local Chapter
South Puget Sound and Olympics
4310 Bridgeport Way
University Place, WA 98466
(253) 474-0400

FEMA Helpline: Call (800) 621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (in your time zone). This helpline is available seven days a week for assistance and referrals. The fastest way to apply for disaster assistance is through disasterassistance.gov or through the FEMA mobile app.

Disaster Distress Helpline, Emotional Recovery Line: Call or text (800) 985-5990. This helpline is open to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. You may call on behalf of yourself or on behalf of someone else.

State and Local Emergency Management Agencies:

Pierce County Emergency Management: (253) 798-7470

Tacoma Emergency Management: (253) 591-5003

Public Health Emergency Information Line: (800) 556-8744

Radiation Protection Program Hotline: (206) 6825-5327 24/7 for Radiation Emergencies

Poison Centers Nationwide: (800) 222-1222 for Accidental Poisoning

Great online information:

The City of Tacoma has a Prepare In a Year campaign available, where you do one activity a month for a year to prepare for emergencies: make a communication plan, create an action plan, store water, build grab & go kits, secure important documents, be two weeks ready, conduct a home hazard hunt, prepare to shelter in place, practice drop, cover and hold, store under-the-bed supplies, learn utility safety, and learn fire safety. You can find it online at www.disasterreadywashington.com

They have online classes and information with PowerPoint, Playbook, and video for each month, along with lots of other resources you can get for free—including comics!

If you have a smart phone:

Save important phone numbers and addresses with directions in your phone.

Download portions of map apps and save them for use offline.

Save websites with classes and other resources to use.

What is on your Danger, Will Robinson! Disaster Playlist? What preparations and resources are important to your household? Let us know! We would love to hear from you.