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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: Solid 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
Click here to watch!
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:
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 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:
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Access and Functional Needs
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Disaster Ready Washington: Pack an emergency ?go-kit? with important items (food, water, clothing, documents)
- Or prepare to shelter-in-place (stay where you are) Preparedness
- Sign up for your local emergency alerts: Alert & Notification Warnings
Department of Health
- Check the website at your local public health office: WA State Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs)
- Be Prepared, Be Safe | Washington State Department of Health
FEMA: Check the website at your local emergency management agency: WA State Local Emergency Management Agencies
American Red Cross: Check your local Red Cross office Northwest Region | American Red Cross
If you have questions or concerns, please contact: ODHH at [email protected].
Download the National Preparedness Month message from the Washington State Emergency Management Division Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP) here
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]
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