What if something happens and you're not with your family? Will you be able to reach them? How will you know if they are safe? How can you tell them you are safe?

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes. It is important to make a communication plan before a disaster happens.

Communication networks, such as mobile phones and computers, may not work well or at all during a disaster. When you plan in advance you help ensure that all members of your family know how to reach eachother in an emergency. By planning several different meeting places, you also ensure that everyone will know where to meet if it is unsafe to return home.

Collect important information

Share the information

Plan your meeting places

Knowing when a geologic disaster is about to happen can improve your chances of survival.

Some disasters—such as earthquakes—happen almost instantly and cannot be predicted. Other disasters—such as tsunamis and lahars—often take time to reach populated areas. Knowing where to find warnings, watches, and evacuation notices is just as important as knowing how to evacuate.

This page provides information on what warnings are available for different types of disasters or for specific locations. It also provides links for you to sign up for text or email messages that can help you stay informed.

If you aren't satisfied with the warning systems in place, advocate for improvements. Often times the organizations that work to develop these systems need public input to justify new infrastructure or improvements. Email your local government, county emergency managers, the Washington Emergency Management Division, and (or) your legislative representative.

General alert systems

Local news, radio, internet, social media often have trending emergency information and alerts. This may be the first clue that an emergency is happening in your area. If you suspect that there is an emergency, go to the source of the information (such as the National Tsunami Warning Center)—don't rely soley on social media.

County-level Emergency Managers often have some type of emergency notification system for residents. Check out your county, city, or tribal website to see what they offer. Try an internet search for "your county/city/tribe AND emergency management".

Washington County Public Alerts is a voluntary emergency notification to your cell phone (voice or text), email, or VoIP phone. You must sign up for this service. For more information or to sign up, check out the Washington Consolidated Communications Agency website.

NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast emergency alerts and continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office. This is an excellent source of information for those who have little access to internet or other media services. Learn more here.

AHAB sirens (All Hazard Alert Broadcast) are loud sirens designed to notify people who are outdoors that they need to evacuate. The sirens are located in some coastal areas and along some rivers near Mount Rainier. The coastal sirens are designed to alert residents and visitors of an approaching tsunami. The inland sirens are designed to alert residents and visitors of an approaching lahar (fast-moving volcanic mudflow).
If you hear these sirens, evacuate immediately! There are not sirens everywhere there are risks. The sirens may be difficult to hear indoors or during inclement weather. Do not rely soley on the sirens to know when to evacuate.

Tsunamis

Earthquakes

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network has an interactive map that tracks all of the earthquakes that happen in Washington and Oregon. Their website is also a wealth of information about earthquakes, hazards, and preparedness.

The USGS Earthquake Notification Service sends email and (or) text messages (SMS) about earthquakes in an area of interest. You can set the area, size of earthquake, and many other parameters once you sign up.

ShakeAlert is an earthquake warning system that may be able to provide several seconds of warning before an earthquake strikes. Although we cannot predict when an earthquake will happen, once it occurs it takes a small amount of time for the seismic waves to move outward towards cities. A network of sensors can detect these waves and send warning ahead of the ground shaking.

The few seconds of warning this system can provide will be critical to slow and stop trains, shut down and isolate industrial systems, perform automatic system backups, stop cars from entering bridges and tunnels, or prevent doctors from starting surgeries.

Learn more about ShakeAlert on their website. The system is currently in development and has been sending messages to test users since 2012. Once ShakeAlert is fully functional it will be released for public use.

Volcanic activity and lahars

The USGS Volcano Status Map shows an interactive map with the current status of all volcanoes throughout the country. You can zoom to just the Washington–Oregon area and check out the status of our volcanoes. You can also sign up for the Volcano Notification Service which sends activity reports and emergency alerts for volcanoes or regions of interest.

Landslides

Landslides are complex, often moving in numerous ways, from small shallow lumps and rock topples to deep-seated and long-lived landslides. Learn more about landslides and how they happen on our landslide webpage

Warning signs and triggers. Landslides are often triggered by other events, such as heavy rainfall or earthquakes. A list of warning signs and triggers can be found here.

Road closures. Washington State Department of Transportation has an interactive map that shows hazards and closures.

Report a landslide. Report landslides to your county emergency management or the Washington Emergency Management Division.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, supplies, and medical training to last until services are restored. No one can predict how long this may be. Smaller disasters may disrupt services for a few days. Larger disasters, such as a large subduction zone earthquake and tsunami off the Washington Coast, may disrupt services for weeks.

How long you decide to prepare for is your decision. The Washington Emergency Management Division and FEMA suggest preparing for at least 7 days. The Red Cross suggests preparing for at least 2 weeks.

A disaster kit is simply a collection of basic items you and your family may need. It is important to assemble this kit well before an emergency. Most emergencies that we face in Washington will happen suddenly and there will not be time to gather or buy what you need.

You may have to find your kit in the dark, without electricity, and after a large earthquake.

Ensure that your kit is easy to access, portable, and relatively safe from the disasters you may face. For example, you might consider putting your supplies in one or more sturdy boxes or tubs with lids. Store your kit in an easy to access place that will remain clear of debris during an earthquake. If you store it on a shelf, ensure it is near the bottom and will not topple. Your carefully prepared food and water supply will do you no good if it is stuck in a collapsed basement or tucked in an attic of an unsafe building.

A disaster may happen while you are away from home. Ensure you have the basics wherever you are by keeping some supplies in your vehicle, at work, or at school. Check that day-care providers or schools have adequate emergency supplies. If they do not, help educate them about the importance of being prepared.

No matter what, you will likely have to be resourceful. Any preparation you can do now will directly help you during such a difficult time. Consider pooling resources with those around you, such as neighbors or community members. The most successful communities will be those that work together.

Home disaster kits

Additional water will be necessary for a large disaster. If keeping 2–3 week-supply of water for 4 people seems challenging (it's at least 80 gallons), then focus on a solution for purifying water. There are many affordable water filters. There are also other ways to treat water, such as boiling, bleach, iodine, and tablets—research these options well before a disaster happens. Also remember that your hot water heater usually contains 20–50 gallons of clean water and is another good reason you should strap it to something sturdy.

Pets and animals depend on us for food, water, and care. Disasters are difficult times for pets because they can usually sense that something is wrong and may try to flee. Many emergencies that we face in Washington can happen very quickly. Prepare well before a disaster happens so that you can continue to care for these important family members.

Before a disaster

During a disaster

If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your animals. As long as it doesn't further endanger you, plan to evacuate with your animals.

You have no way of knowing how long you will be kept out of an area, and you may not be allowed to go back for your pets. Pets left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost, or killed.

After a disaster

Disaster, evacuation, and damage to your home are stressful for both people and pets. Ensure that you continuing providing care for all members of your household during these difficult times.

Practicing your emergency plan will make it easier to remember during an actual emergency. It also gives you a chance to figure out if a meeting place doesn't work, or some information is incorrect.

You can also use the annual practice to update your contact information, meeting places, and check your emergency supplies. You can also use this time to add to your emergency kit if it is missing something.

It might be helpful to practice your plan or check your supplies at least once a year. The Great Washington ShakeOut happens every 3rd Thursday of October and is a chance to practice drop, cover, and hold on for an earthquake. Also consider practicing on March 11, the anniversary of the Great 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan.

Practice for an emergency

After a disaster our communication systems may be disrupted. Electricity and telephone lines may be down. Cell phones and the internet may be unavailable. Depending on the disaster these services could be unavailable for a significant amount of time.

Know where you can find information about warnings, evacuations, and how to communicate with family members. It is also important to know how to send and receive information without blocking communication lines for emergencies.

Emergency communications

Disasters can be scary and difficult times. Although everything that happens might seem like an emergency, only those situations that require immediate attention or help should be called emergencies. Such emergencies might include life-threatening medical problems, fires, gas leaks, or someone trapped in a building. Emergency responders may have a difficult time getting to the scene, so only call them if necessary.

Family communications

Make sure that you have set up a family communication plan well before a disaster happens. Having a plan will help everyone know exactly what to do.

Alerts, warnings, and news

With any luck, all of the places that warned of the disaster will still be able to deliver information after the disaster. Check out our page on alerts and warnings for more information.

Educate

• Learn about your risks. Earthquakes occur nearly every day in Washington, but most are too small to be felt. Large earthquakes are less common, but Washington has the second highest risk of large earthquakes in the country. Check out the Active faults and future earthquakes page for more information.
• Learn what to expect. Large earthquakes can cause significant damage to the things we count on everyday, such as buildings, roads, hospitals, and schools. The damage can also cause electricity, water, natural gas, and phones to not work. Learn more on our How earthquakes cause damage page.
• Learn what other hazards you might face. Earthquakes can trigger landslides and tsunamis. Both of these can cause equal or greater damage than the actual earthquake. Check out our page on geologic hazards to learn more.

Prepare

• Prepare to be on your own for at least three days. For a "great" earthquake (M8.0 or larger) it might be prudent and reasonable to prepare for being on your own for up to 3 weeks.
• Learn how to shut off your gas and water supplies. Broken gas lines are the largest source of fires after earthquakes. A broken water line will drain your house of its usable water when you need it most.
• Make an emergency response plan for you and your family. Check out the section for Families, individuals, and pets to learn more.
• Participate in the yearly Great ShakeOut earthquake drills. These drills occur on the 3rd Thursday of every October. They are a great way to practice what to do when an earthquake happens.
• Consider whether earthquake insurance is right for you. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has a webpage that describes different types of hazard insurance, including earthquakes.

Mitigate

• Identify and secure items in your home or work that could cause damage. This might include a water heater, tall items like book cases, or heavy pictures and mirrors. Toppling water heaters can wreak havoc in a house. They can break water lines and drain your house of usable water at a time when water will be difficult to find. They can also break gas and (or) electric lines and start fires at a time when the fire department may find it difficult to help out.
• Is your home secured to its foundation? In an earthquake, the ground (and the foundation) can move considerably. If your house is not attached it might be moved completely off the foundation, or cause other significant damage. Consider consulting a professional.
• Is your home (and its foundation) built to withstand the amount and type of ground-shaking that is expected in your area? Building codes have changed over the years, so you should check with your city or county about what was required during construction. Consider consulting a professional.
• If you are concerned about the ability of public and private infrastructure to withstand earthquakes, do something about it. Roads, bridges, utility lines, schools, hospitals, water supplies, and many others may all be susceptible to earthquake damage. Find out what your community, work, school, day care, or state government is doing to protect you and your loved ones. Talk with your neighbors. Contact your state representatives. Become an informed and engaged citizen.

Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect against falling debris. Hold on to any sturdy shelter until the shaking stops.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall.
• If you are in bed: STAY there and COVER your head and neck with a pillow.
• DO NOT get in a doorway. Doorways do not provide protection from falling or flying objects and you may not be able to remain standing.
• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. Most injuries occur when people inside change rooms or try to leave the building.
• DO NOT use elevators.

If you're outdoors

• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires if you can.
• Once in the open, Drop, Cover, and Hold On. STAY THERE until the shaking stops.

If you're in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, bridges, or utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Roads, bridges, or ramps may have been damaged by the earthquake.

• Once the shaking has stopped, exit the building if it is safe to do so.
• Shut off your gas supply if you smell or hear gas, or suspect that the gas line may be damaged. If you do turn your gas supply off, contact your utility to assess the situation and have it restarted.
• Shut off your water supply if you do not need the water to fight a fire. Leaks in the pipes can quickly drain a building of water.
• Expect aftershocks. After a large earthquake, it is common to have other large earthquakes for hours, days, and even weeks. Drop, Cover, and Hold On whenever you feel shaking.
• Expect and help to extinguish fires. Small fires are the most common hazard after an earthquake. Never use a lighter or match near damaged areas.
• Evacuate to higher ground if you are near a large body of water. Tsunamis are a common result of large earthquakes in Washington.
• Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe.
• Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Text shelter + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 98506)
• Check yourself for injuries (and get first aid if needed) before helping others.
• Find professionals with the right equipment if someone needs to be rescued. Many people have been killed or injured trying to rescue others.
• Help others, especially those who require special assistance such as the young, elderly, or those with extra needs.
• Stay informed. Seek out news through whatever means are available to you. Listen for further warnings from emergency officials.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might interfere with emergency response operations and put you at further risk.
• Be very careful if you re-enter homes or buildings. Buildings may be damaged where you least expect it.

Tsunamis from nearby earthquakes can arrive in as little as 10–15 minutes. Because of this, it is critical to prepare well ahead of time.

Educate

• Learn about your risks. In general, anyone in Washington who lives near (or visits) the ocean or a large body of water is at risk of a tsunami. Check out the Who is at risk? page for more information.
• Learn what to expect. Tsunamis are very powerful and destructive ocean waves that can be 30–100 feet tall. Unlike ocean waves, they usually do not have a crest, but are more like enormous walls of water. Learn more about tsunamis and what causes them on our tsunami page.

Prepare

• Learn how to evacuate. Tsunamis can be 30–100 feet tall or more. If you cannot evacuate to higher ground, go as far inland as possible. Most coastal communities have an evacuation plan and evacuation routes. Evacuation signs often guide the way to safer places. View, download, and print our tsunami evacuation brochures.
• Learn the natural warning signs of a tsunami. There are many natural warning signs of an approaching tsunami. For people in Washington, the single biggest warning of a potential tsunami is a large earthquake. See our page on Warning signs of a tsunami for more information.
• Listen for tsunami evacuation notices. Many at-risk areas have installed AHAB (All hazard alert broadcast) sirens. These loud sirens alert residents and visitors of a tsunami evacuation notice, but are not designed to be heard inside or in adverse weather. Check the National Tsunami Warning Center for alerts and warnings. Consider subscribing to the email or SMS (text) warning system of the NTWC. These systems will send alerts directly to you as soon as they have been issued. Also consider checking NOAA weather radio for alerts and information.
• Learn how to evacuate on foot and without the aid of a mobile device. If there is a large earthquake, roads and bridges may be damaged. It may be impossible to evacuate by car. A large earthquake can also knock out power, telephone, and the internet.
• Ensure everyone knows how to evacuate. No one should be a victim because they did not know what to do. Make sure all the members of your family, neighborhood, workplace, and community know where to go if there is a tsunami.
• Make an emergency response plan for you and your family. Check out the section for Families, individuals, and pets to learn more.

Mitigate

• Talk with your community leaders and emergency planners if you live in (or visit) an area that may be affected by a tsunami. What are their short-term and long-term plans? Are there well-marked evacuation routes? How will schools respond to an emergency? What are the post-disaster plans? Where will the injured be treated? Lobby for changes or improvements if you are not satisfied by the answers you receive.
• Is your community tsunami ready? If you live in an area that may be affected by a tsunami, are your schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure adequate? Many buildings and roads were constructed before modern earthquake standards and few structures are built to withstand tsunamis. Find out which structures in your community need improvements to withstand a large earthquake or tsunami. Once you know, lobby for their improvement.

If you have been advised to evacuate, or there has been a strong earthquake and you are near an ocean or large lake, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. Move to high ground or go inland.

Here are our evacuation routes for coastal areas.

• Move to higher ground or go inland. If there is not an evacuation route for your location, evacuate to an area at least 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level or higher. If you move inland, choose areas that are at least two miles (3 kilometers) away from the coast. Go as high or as far as you can. Every foot inland or upward might matter.
• Take your animals with you, as long as they don't slow you down.
• Save yourself and your loved ones. Do not try and move your possessions.
• Stay away from the beach! Thousands of people have been killed because they ran down to the beach to see why the water receded, or to get a better view. If you suspect or know a tsunami is approaching, evacuate to higher ground or move inland.
• Be prepared to evacuate on foot. The closest safe location may be easier to get to by foot than by car. If you drive, be prepared to abandon your car and continue evacuating on foot. One small accident can block the way for hundreds or thousands of people.
• Move to the highest floor possible, if you are in a building and cannot evacuate. A large tsunami can flood the first several floors of a building.

There is almost always more than one tsunami wave! Often, the largest wave is not the first wave. Tsunami waves can continue for hours—do not assume that the danger is over after one wave.

Tsunamis are usually very large disasters. It is likely that there will be significant damage to the whole region. Because of this, it may take additional time for affected communities to receive supplies and aid. Prepare to be on your own for several days, and perhaps longer.

• Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe.
• Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. The 'Assembly areas' on our tsunami evacuation maps are NOT shelters for evacuation. They are places to go for emergency supplies and other help in the days after a tsunami.
• Check yourself for injuries (and get first aid if needed) before helping others.
• Find professionals with the right equipment if someone needs to be rescued. Many people have been killed or injured trying to rescue others.
• Help others, especially those who require special assistance such as the young, elderly, or those with extra needs.
• Stay informed. Seek out news through whatever means are available to you. Listen for further warnings from emergency officials.
• Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to people or pets.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might interfere with emergency response operations and put you at further risk.
• Stay out of any building that has water around it. Tsunami water can cause floors to crack or walls to collapse.
• Be very careful if you re-enter homes or buildings. Floodwater may have damaged buildings where you least expect it.

Educate

• Learn about your risks. Know what volcanic hazards exist near your home, place of work, or where you recreate.
• Learn what to expect. Washington volcanoes tend to erupt explosively, and can cause significant damage both near and far. High-speed flows of hot ash and rock, lava, and landslides can destroy homes and infrastructure within ~10 miles of the eruption. Enormous mudflows of ash, debris, and melted ice—called lahars—can devastate low-lying areas more than 50 miles away. Learn more about the different types of hazards on our volcanoes and lahars page.
• Learn if you are at risk from lahars. Lahars are not always caused by a volcanic eruption and can cause damage in low-lying areas far from a volcano. Learn more about lahars on the volcanoes and lahars page. Look through the lahar hazard maps to see if you live in an area that is at risk.

Prepare

• Plan ahead. Have several days of emergency supplies, food, and water.
• Plan an evacuation route. Ensure that your route is away from streams that may carry lahars or landslide debris.
• Have goggles and disposable breathing masks for ash and dust.
• Make an emergency response plan for you and your family. Check out the section for Families, individuals, and pets to learn more.
• Be informed. Listen to media outlets for warnings and evacuations. Listen for AHAB (All hazard alert broadcast) sirens that warn of lahars. Check out the Volcano Notification Service to subscribe to alerts about specific volcanoes.

Mitigate

• Talk with community leaders and emergency planners if you live in (or visit) an area that may be affected by volcanic activity. What are their short-term and long-term plans? Are there well-marked evacuation routes? How will schools respond to an emergency? What are the post-disaster plans? Where will the injured be treated? Lobby for changes or improvements if you are not satisfied by the answers you receive.

• Evacuate immediately from an erupting volcano! Follow evacuation orders issued by authorities.
• Avoid river valleys and other low-lying areas that may be prone to lahars and other types of landslides or debris flows.
• Get to high ground and then shelter in place if you are in a lahar hazard zone and become aware of an oncoming lahar. If there are signed evacuation routes, follow them.
• Stay informed. Seek out news through whatever means are available to you. Listen for further warnings from emergency officials.
• Listen for AHAB sirens (All hazard alert broadcast) that have been installed in some locations to warn of lahars.
• Remain safe and help others in need.

If there is ashfall, protect your lungs!

Volcanic ash is made of microscopic shards of glass and other fine-grained material. Ash can can cause significant damage to animals, including significant damage to lungs or asphyxiation if inhaled.

• Remain indoors if you cannot evacuate. Close doors, windows, and ventilation systems until the ash settles.
• Help others, especially those who require special assistance such as the young, elderly, or those with extra needs.
• Protect your lungs. Wear a respirator, face mask, or a use a damp cloth across your mouth.
• Use goggles, and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
• Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. If you must drive, reduce your speed significantly.
• Avoid operating engines of any kind. Ash can clog engines, damage parts, and stall vehicles.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you must go outside.
• Keep roofs free of ash in excess of 4 inches.
• Limit outdoor activity. Remove outdoor clothing before entering a building.
• Ensure that ash does not contaminate your water. If it does, use a different source, such as bottled water.
• For more information about ash fall, check out the USGS Volcanic Ash website.

• Be prepared to stay indoors and avoid downwind areas.
• Be aware of lahars and landslides. These hazards can occur long after the main eruption.
• Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe.
• Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Text shelter + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 98506)
• Check yourself for injuries (and get first aid if needed) before helping others.
• Find professionals with the right equipment if someone needs to be rescued. Many people have been killed or injured trying to rescue others.
• Help others, especially those who require special assistance such as the young, elderly, or those with extra needs.
• Stay informed. Seek out news through whatever means are available to you. Listen for further warnings from emergency officials.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might interfere with emergency response operations and put you at further risk.
• Be very careful if you re-enter homes or buildings. Buildings may be damaged where you least expect it.

Educate

• Learn about your risk. Landslides are complex and difficult to predict—there are many factors that affect slope stability. Some of these factors are the amount of rainfall, steepness of slopes, type of soil, amount of vegetation, and much more. Areas above, on, or below steep slopes are more likely to experience landslides. Areas known to have frequent landslides in the past are also more likely to have landslides in the future. The Washington Geologic Information Portal contains the most comprehensive listing of landslides available. Because not all landslides are mapped, the absence of a landslide in the database does not indicate the absence of risk.
• Learn what to expect. Most shallow landslides and flows occur during—or up to several days after—a heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt event. Deep-seated landslides can occur at any time. Learn more about how landslides happen and possible warning signs on our landslides page.
• Learn about common landslide triggers. There are many possible triggers of landslides, such as prolonged or intense rainfall, earthquakes, water-level changes, and human activities such as removal of vegetation or excavation at the base of a slope. Learn more about these triggers on our Common landslide triggers page.
• Check out our fact sheets. We have a fact sheet on Landslide Hazards in Washington State and another on What are Landslides and How Do They Occur?

Prepare

• Learn where landslides are most likely to occur near your home, work, or school.
• Plan ahead. Have several days of emergency supplies, food, and water if it is likely a landslide will close down nearby roads.
• Have an evacuation route. Ensure that your route is away from streams that may carry landslides or debris flows.
• Make a landslide emergency plan. Consider evacuating prior to storm events which can cause sudden flooding and (or) landslides.
• Don't assume that highways will be safe. Landslides can, and often do, occur along roads. Check the roads around you for possible dangerous conditions and choose alternate routes if possible.
• Report signs of a potential landslide to the state emergency managers.

Mitigate

• Avoid living, working, or recreating near locations that are hazardous, especially during storm events. Areas above, on, or below steep slopes are more likely to experience landslides. Areas known to have frequent landslides in the past are also more likely to have landslides in the future.
• Control runoff from buildings and roads so it flows away from steep slopes and into natural drainages or storm drains.
• Consult a professional, such as a licensed engineering geologist or licensed geotechnical engineer for a site-specific evaluation if you are concerned about slope stability near your home.
• Talk with administrators or officials if you are concerned about slope stability near your workplace, school, hospital, or community. If you are unsatisfied with their answers, lobby for change.

Landslides are dangerous and unpredictable. Some landslides may provide clues that they are about to happen; others may happen suddenly without any warning signs.

Some possible signs of a landslide include:

• Cracks growing in the ground; downslope movement of rock, soil, or vegetation.
• Sudden changes in creek water levels, sometimes with increased sediment, especially during or right after large or protracted storm events.
• Sounds of cracking wood, knocking boulders, groaning of the ground, or other unusual sounds, especially if the sound increases.

If you notice these signs or observe a landslide in progress evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so! Report the problem immediately to your county emergency manager.

During dangerous weather

• Seek out advisories and warnings before, during, and after intense rainfall events. Check the NOAA Weather Radio and your local TV stations.
• Don't assume that highways are safe—watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rock, or other debris on the roadway. Check the Washington Department of Transportation website for road closures.
• Listen for loud or unusual sounds. These can be indicators of an imminent landslide. If you think there is danger, evacuate immediately.
• Keep away from landslide-prone areas.

• Be aware of other landslides. Dangerous conditions may still exist near the landslide, or in other areas. Large storm events can trigger hundreds of landslides across the state.
• Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe.
• Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Text shelter + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 98506)
• Check yourself for injuries (and get first aid if needed) before helping others.
• Find professionals with the right equipment if someone needs to be rescued. Many people have been killed or injured trying to rescue others.
• Help others, especially those who require special assistance such as the young, elderly, or those with extra needs.
• Stay informed. Seek out news through whatever means are available to you. Listen for further warnings from emergency officials.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might interfere with emergency response operations and put you at further risk.
• Be very careful if you re-enter homes or buildings. Buildings may be damaged where you least expect it.