Emergency Preparedness

Do you have a plan? If so, practice this plan with your entire family.

Disaster Kit

Is your family prepared to be self sufficient for two weeks? Build a disaster kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for two weeks (don't forget your pets). There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency:  

  • Water
  • Food
  • First aid supplies
  • Clothing and bedding
  • Tools and emergency supplies
  • Special items for any medical conditions

Keep the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy to carry container.

Be Prepared Checklist

The following is a checklist from the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management of things you can do to be prepared:

  • Purchase a NOAA "all hazards" radio for emergency alerts.
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (police, fire, ambulance, etc.).
  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1.
  • Show each family member how and when to turn off utilities (water, gas, electricity).
  • Get training for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it is kept.
  • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
  • Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supply kit.
  • Take a first aid and CPR class.
  • Determine the best escape routes from your home.  Find two ways out of each room.
  • Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster and learn to shelter-in-place procedures.
  • Practice and maintain your plan.
  • Quiz your kids every six months or so.
  • Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
  • Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
  • Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

Receive emergency alerts by signing up for City and County Alert Systems.

More Preparedness Training

PCNET Specific Neighborhood Training

This training provides neighbors with the knowledge and tools necessary to work together for an effective response following emergencies and disasters.  Professional responders may not be available to assist you after a major disaster and you may find yourself as the first responder. This is very specific and in-depth neighborhood preparedness plan to help you through those situations. For more information please visit Pierce County's website.

West Pierce Fire CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates people about disaster preparedness and hazards that may impact their area.  CERT also provides training for basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.  For more information, please visit West Pierce CERT's website.

Government's Responsibility

Ensuring the quality of life for the community is an important responsibility of government, and emergency management is part of that responsibility. The City of University Place currently has an Emergency Management Plan outlining procedures to be followed in the event of a disaster. The City also has an emergency management organizational structure that can quickly be implemented during an emergency. Inter-local agreements have been established with Pierce County Department of Emergency Management which includes services such as training, simulated exercises, access to Emergency Management staff and expertise, facilities and resources.

More Information

For information on health or social services, visit our Health and Human Services page.