Emergency Management

SKAGIT COUNTY NATURAL HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN

Residents of Skagit County have historically dealt with high water, severe windstorms, harsh winter storms, wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, and even minor volcanic activity.  It is impossible to predict exactly when or to what extent these hazards will occur, however with careful planning and community collaboration it is possible to minimize the losses that can result from these natural phenomena.

What Are The Benefits Of Hazard Mitigation?

• Demonstrate commitment to improving community health and safety
• Save lives and property
• Reduce vulnerability to future hazards
• Facilitate post-disaster funding
• Speed recovery

In addition to identifying mitigation strategies and mitigation projects, this plan also establishes a foundation for collaboration among local Indian Tribes, agencies, jurisdictions, and the citizens of Skagit County as a means to meet the requirements of federal assistance programs.

RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS

Register here to receive emergency alerts and notifications in your area. The AlertSense Emergency notification system is a great way to receive local, timely and critical information when it matters most. This notification system in conjunction with on-line resources such as the Skagit County Emergency Management Facebook page, Twitter feed, the Skagit County website and local media outlets will be the best way to stay informed during hazard and emergency situations. You can chose to be notified on your home or cell phone, text messaging or email.

Are you prepared for an eruption?

BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES

Catastrophes can happen at any time. Preparing for three days will help you make it through many of the disasters you’ll face in the Puget Sound region—including major storms and even small earthquakes

However, to make it through a major catastrophe—like Hurricane Katrina or the earthquake and tsunami in Japan—you’ll need to be prepared for longer—at least 7 to 10 days.

Local agencies across Puget Sound are teaming up to share information and encourage residents to prepare for catastrophic events with a regional campaign, What to do to make it through.

Wonder what the security alert color levels mean? Citizen Guidance on the Homeland Security Advisory System (Pdf)

Reminder: As an emergency management and coordinating agency, it is very important that DEM has current contact information for all agencies. Please be sure to send updated contact information for your agency on a regular basis.

Mission Statement:
To provide the emergency organization and coordination of resources to minimize loss of life and to protect property and the environment in the event of natural, human-caused, or technological emergencies or disasters affecting Skagit County.

The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) provides emergency management services to Anacortes, Burlington, Concrete, Hamilton, La Conner, Lyman, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and the unincorporated areas of Skagit County.

David Walde, Interim Emergency Management Division Manager
Vickie Fontaine, Emergency Management Coordinator