LOCAL KIDS WIN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS POSTER CONTEST

Fifth Grader and Kindergartener Encourage WA Residents to Prepare! Wash. – The winners of the local disaster preparedness program What to do to Make it Through poster contest were announced today: Ellen Lee, a 5th grader at View Ridge Elementary in Seattle, and Dylan Smith, in kindergarten at East Ridge Elementary in Woodinville. Out of approximately 400 entries in the second year of this contest, Ellen and Dylan’s posters stood out to judges – creatively displaying ways Washington residents and their families should prepare for a disaster. Ellen created a comic, and Dylan made playing cards (attached). Eleven-year-old Ellen chose to focus on an earthquake, and experts encourage residents of all ages to prepare for “the big one.” In fact, “Given the magnitude of the earthquake that’s likely to occur in the Pacific Northwest, it’s really important to plan to be self-sufficient for seven to 10 days,” says JoAnn Jordan, public education coordinator at the Seattle Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Six-year-old Dylan included trading cards for the different steps kids can take to help their families prepare, such as making a plan, building a kit, and even protecting pets. “Experience has shown it could take from several days to more than a week before essential services are restored in the case of an earthquake,” said JoAnn, “We’re talking basics like running water, electricity and phones, plus supplies for infants, seniors or the family cat or dog.” The program website has a variety of resources and information available to make planning easy in 19 languages. First and foremost, Jordan recommends building a kit with enough of these items to last for seven to 10 days: • Storage container: a plastic bin, or even an old suitcase or backpacks, which you’ll store near an exit • Water: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation • Food: seven to 10 days of non-perishable foods per person and pet • Cash: small bills are best (ATMs won’t work without electricity) • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries • Flashlight and extra batteries (no candles!) • First aid kit • Whistle to signal for help • Filter mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air • Moist towelettes for sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, if needed • Manual can opener for food • Shelter items like tents, tarps and rope • Garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation • Unique family needs: supplies for infants, pets and elderly; prescriptions; important family documents Congratulations again to Ellen, Dylan and all the kids who entered into the contest. We saw many great designs and beautiful work–and are so impressed at all of your dedication to helping our residents and families stay safe, and be prepared! About “What to do to Make it Through” Local agencies across Puget Sound are teaming up to educate and encourage citizens to prepare for catastrophic events with a regional campaign called “What to do to Make it Through.” The program is made possible by a grant from the Puget Sound Offices of Emergency Management, with the support of partners including Mud Bay, KOMO-TV, KOMO News Radio and Star 101.5. The program serves to educate the public that catastrophes can happen at any time and encourage residents to prepare for the right duration—at least 7 to 10 days. To learn the three most important things you can do to survive a catastrophe and start planning, visit: www.makeitthrough.org.