The Pacific Northwest is home to every known hazard, with one exception: hurricanes. Tukwila’s potential hazards include earthquakes, landslides, hazardous materials incidents, structure fires, power outages, severe weather, and more.

Disasters can strike at any time, often without notice. Every September, Emergency Managers across the country set aside time to remind you of our vulnerability to disasters and how to best prepare. Here are steps you and your family can take to be more prepared for any hazard.

Build A Kit

We recommend that you and your family build a kit that will sustain you for up to two weeks. But don’t panic, kits can be built and added to over time until you have enough supplies for two weeks. Your kit should include items you would need to keep yourself going after a disaster, like high calorie shelf stable foods, water, hygiene items, extra glasses, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, medications, and a change of clothes.

Build your kit with your family in mind, including specific items that will meet everyone’s needs. For example, someone with access or functional needs may need to include back-up medical equipment or food for a service animal. A household with infants and young children would need extra formula, diapers, pacifier, etc. Don’t forget pets! Households with pets should set aside food, water, leashes, ID tags, and a pet carrier.

Make A Plan

Talk with your family and friends about emergency preparedness. Together, work through these questions:



• How will you receive emergency communications?
• What is your evacuation plan?
• How will you and your family reconnect if you are separated by a disaster?
• How will you and your family communicate? Do you have an out of area contact?

When developing your family’s plan, make sure to consider everyone’s specific needs. Think about age, mobility, languages spoken, pets/service animals, dietary/medical needs, cultural/religious needs, etc., as you plan. Once you have a plan, make sure to record your plan and practice your plan with your loved ones.

Be Informed

In an emergency, accurate information is critical to your safety. Make sure you know the facts ahead of time, where you can find correct information, and sign up for alert and warning programs. Knowing our hazards and what to do before, during and after is important for your safety.

Sign-up to receive emergency alerts at: TukwilaWA.gov/AlertKC.

For more preparedness tips and resources, visit our website: TukwilaWA.gov/emergency-management

For FREE preparedness presentations, please reach out to us: EmergencyPrep@TukwilaWA.gov