The Woodinville Citizen Corps’ Disaster Prepared Neighborhood, like a Block Watch program, encourages neighbors to work together and  take advantage of the skills, resources, and equipment already in the neighborhood to mount an effective disaster response.

Neighbors can provide first aid, take care of the children or the elderly who are home alone, check on homes to remedy leaking natural gas lines or broken water lines, rope off hazards like downed electrical lines, and communicate with local authorities. 

How do you start a disaster prepared neighborhood?

• Ask neighbors if they are interested in preparedness. Contact the Woodinville Citizen Corps at www.woodinvilleCitizenCorps.org or the Carnation Duvall Citizen Corps at www.carnationduvallcitizencorps.org.
• Set up a meeting with neighbors and send out invitations.

At your meeting you will receive a Disaster Preparedness presentation by Citizen Corps.

• Then name a Neighborhood Captain.
• Make a map of the neighborhood containing contact and other information.
• Make a telephone tree that includes out-of-state contacts for each family.
• Develop a neighborhood disaster preparedness plan by gathering information on everyone’s special needs and skills.
• Update information on maps and telephone trees at least once a year. Include new neighbors that move into your neighborhood.

In return, you will reduce the potential for property damage, injuries, and deaths during and after disasters. You will enhance your neighborhood’s ability to recover (physically, economically, and emotionally) from disasters and enhance your neighborhood’s strength and sense of community by planning and working together. 

For more information, contact Nancy Hovan at (206) 412-8194 or nancyhovan@hotmail.com.