Tips and Strategies to learn more about keeping you and your loved ones safe during emergencies



Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________





Washington State Department of Social & Health Services

Aging and Long-Term?Support Administration





*August 23, 2023*




"*Image and Date Description*: Image:?""Solid dark blue background. At left: white line drawings of two adults and a child. White text: "Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, Transforming Lives" At right is white text: "Aging and Long-Term Support Administration" Date: S""olid green background. At left: Date in black text"

________________________________________________________________________



*?A Message from the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing*

"Serving the Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled Community"

________________________________________________________________________



Preparing for Emergencies

Click here to watch! [ [link removed] ]

Preparing for Emergencies [ [link removed] ]

"*Image description*: Emergency Preparedness screen. Red play button in center"

________________________________________________________________________



Washington State is experiencing unhealthy air and emergency evacuations throughout the state and Tribal Nations. It is important to be ready to find a place to shelter. Whether that is at home or in an emergency shelter, we must make sure that we are taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. And we must know what to do and where to go when an emergency arises.

Washington State has designated emergency shelters for a variety of needs, whether that is wildfire, smoke, earthquake, or any other natural disaster. When an emergency shelter is needed, everyone should be aware of where to go, how to get there, and what to expect when they are there. These shelters are announced at the beginning of evacuations. Follow your local governmental organizations on social media or go to your region?s websites to find recommendations and information for emergency situations and evacuations.?

Where to find information about events near you:


* Fire: Watch Duty Wildfire Map [ [link removed] ]
* Smoke: Washington Smoke Information [ [link removed] ]
* Tsunami: Tsunami Warning Centers [ [link removed] ]
* Volcano: Protective Actions [ [link removed] ]
* Earthquake: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

Disasters affect everybody, but not everybody is affected in the same way. All Washingtonians should prepare before disaster strikes, including individuals with access and functional needs.?

If you must evacuate, limit how long you are on the roads, and be prepared to evacuate earlier before the mandatory evacuation order is given.? Roads may be congested so you may need to walk or find alternative transportation.

The evacuation processes can be frightening, so limit the stress and uncertainty of the evacuation by being prepared with required documentation, (e.g. mortgage/lease, photo ID, medical records, etc.).

________________________________________________________________________



Some quick tips

Some quick tips to help you prepare for emergency situations from Emergency Management Division (EMD), FEMA, the Department of Health, and the Red Cross:

*Washington State: *

_Emergency Management Division:_


* Access and Functional N [ [link removed] ]eeds
* Disaster Ready Washington [ [link removed] ]: Pack an emergency ?go-kit? with important items (food, water, clothing, documents)
* Or prepare to shelter-in-place (stay where you are) Preparedness [ [link removed] ]
* Sign up for your local emergency alerts: Alert & Notification Warnings [ [link removed] ]

_Department of Health _


* Check the website at your local public health office: WA State Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs) [ [link removed] ]
* Be Prepared, Be Safe | Washington State Department of Health [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



*FEMA*: Check the website at your local emergency management agency: WA State Local Emergency Management Agencies [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



*American Red Cross:* Check your local Red Cross office Northwest Region | American Red Cross [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



If you have questions or concerns, please contact: ODHH at [email protected].

________________________________________________________________________



Download this guide for more information

Download the National Preparedness Month message from the Washington State Emergency Management Division Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP) here [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



*Who We Are*
The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) provides programs and services for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled individuals, their families, and service providers in Washington State. ODHH works to ensure that services and resources are accessible and inclusive to all Washingtonians.

*What We Do*
ODHH operates under the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and is entrusted with fulfilling its legislative mandate outlined in RCW 43.20A.725.
ODHH?s work includes:

Advocacy: ODHH advocates for the rights, interests, and needs of individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Speech Disabled. The Office works to eliminate communication barriers and promote equal opportunities in various service areas, including training, consultation, contract management, information and referrals, and resources to promote communication equity.

Coordination: ODHH is a centralized resource. The Office collaborates with governmental, business, and community stakeholders to develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that address and ensure that state services and resources are accessible and inclusive to all Washingtonians.

*Contact Us!*
800-422-7930 Voice
360-339-7382 VP
[email protected]




Connect with DSHS

Contact Us [ [link removed] ]






Stay connected with the Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration:

Facebook [ [link removed] ] ? Twitter [ [link removed] ] ? Youtube [ [link removed] ] ? LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] ? SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ] ?|? Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ] ?|? Help [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Aging and Long-Term Support Administration ??4450 10th Avenue SE ??Lacey, WA 98503 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]