What is it?

Disaster preparedness is important because it protects lives, reduces economic losses, and strengthens community resilience. Being prepared helps cities recover faster, maintains essential services, and reduces the long-term impact of disasters on the environment and economy.

This section is about planning and readiness for natural and human-made disasters. This includes wildfires, drought, floods, and extreme weather events. It includes emergency response plans, community education, infrastructure improvements, and resource management to minimize damage and ensure a quick recovery.

Natural disasters, such as wildfires, extreme weather, pose significant risks to the Tri-Cities’ economy, infrastructure, and residents. Disaster preparedness focuses on minimizing damage, ensuring rapid recovery, and reducing long-term economic and environmental impacts. Proactive measures like wildfire prevention, flood management, and earthquake-resistant construction, and investing in disaster preparedness is essential for long-term regional resilience.

Man-Made Disasters are events caused by human activity that lead to significant harm to people, the environment, and infrastructure. In the Tri-Cities, WA, the most likely man-made disasters include industrial accidents, hazardous material spills, energy grid failures, and transportation incidents due to the region’s industries, nuclear history, and growing population.

Sustainability depends on minimizing and managing these risks to maintain economic stability, ensure public safety, and protect natural resources. Preparing for man-made disasters through strong infrastructure, emergency planning, and environmental safeguards helps reduce long-term damage, allowing communities to recover quickly and thrive.

Who’s working on it in the Tri-Cities?

• Emergency Management Agencies
  • Benton County Emergency Management (BCEM) – BCEM prepares for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters, coordinating resources to protect Benton County’s citizens and economy.
  • Franklin County Emergency Management – Own the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Dedicated to providing residents with information and guidance to protect their families and property, enhancing individual resilience during disasters.
  • City of Pasco Emergency Preparedness/Public Safety – Offers resources and information on emergency preparedness to ensure public safety in Pasco.
  • Richland Fire & Emergency Services Department (RF&ES) – Provides a range of emergency services, including fire suppression, hazardous materials response, and public education.
• Nonprofit Organizations
  • The Salvation Army – Tri-Cities Corps – Assists disaster survivors through various programs, including emergency preparedness and immediate response services.
  • American Red Cross – Central & Southeastern Washington – The American Red Cross offers disaster relief services and community engagement opportunities, including classes aimed at disaster prevention.
• Monitoring
  • Drought.GOV Washington – National Integrated Drought Information System
  • University of Washington State Climate Office – Data and tools library for tracking climate.

What can I do to help?

• Be prepared. Learn the hazards, make a plan, and build kits. Guides at Disaster Ready Washington.

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https://alsctc.org/disaster-preparedness