Welcome to Skagit County

April 21, 2003

APRIL IS PREPAREDNESS MONTH IN WASHINGTON; STATEWIDE DROP, COVER, HOLD DRILL SET FOR APRIL 22

The Skagit County Board of Commissioners signed a Proclamation designating April 2004 as “Disaster Preparedness Month” in Skagit County. They did so in support of the Governor’s Proclamation declaring April as “Disaster Preparedness Month” in Washington State. These Proclamations were signed to help encourage all citizens, government officials, educators and others to increase their knowledge and awareness of proper safety measures to follow before, during and after natural or human-caused disasters.

Government agencies, businesses, schools and citizens will use Preparedness Month to review emergency response plans and to participate in the statewide earthquake drill on April 22.

Go to the "Drop, Cover and Hold" Earthquake Preparedness page here.

Washington’s Military Department, Emergency Management Division (EMD), the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and city and county emergency management agencies will highlight the importance of practicing preparedness and increasing awareness of disaster planning during the month-long campaign, said Gov. Gary Locke.
“I encourage all citizens to increase their knowledge and awareness of proper safety measures to follow before, during, and after a natural or man-made disaster,” Locke said.
According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Director John Pennington, it's a good time to take a break from our workaday routine to reevaluate our disaster preparedness plans and restock emergency kits.

"Calendar observances like Disaster Preparedness Month help us stop 'meaning to do the right thing,' and actually carve out the time to do it," said Pennington. "A current all-hazards disaster preparedness plan and emergency kit that allows for three days of reasonable self-sufficiency in terms of food, water and prescription medication is everyone's responsibility."

Preparedness month activities include a statewide earthquake drill on April 22 between 9:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. The drill will commence with a statewide Emergency Alert System message over radio and television stations about what to do when the ground starts to shake.

Disaster preparedness materials will feature a state roadmap with preparedness planning tips and historical information, a preparedness calendar, a disaster preparedness handbook, and 9-1-1 information and materials for both adults and children.

For further assistance with disaster planning, persons may contact local emergency management offices.