Make a plan
Each member of the family or workgroup should know what to do if there is a required evacuation. Determine a meeting place ahead of time, nearby if there is a fire or farther away if the neighborhood needs evacuation for safety reasons.
More information (PDF)

Get training
Take a first-aid class and learn CPR. When a major event disrupts life, basic skills to aid others and yourself may save a life.

Get to know your neighbors
Forming neighborhood groups builds resiliency. Know which neighbors have skills and resources or which ones may have special needs. Also, if you are away from your home during a major event, which one of your neighbors knows where to turn off the gas to your home at 2:30 in the morning?

Putting a copy of important documents in your go-kit may alleviate frustration later
If you need to evacuate from your home quickly, having copies of your driver's license, insurance documents and contact information may provide you the resilience needed to respond to a disaster quickly.

Should you evacuate when a wildfire threatens
Remain calm. Listen to the radio or television or look for fire reports and evacuation information. Follow the advice given by authorities. (However, if you feel threatened, do not wait to leave.) You should take prudent actions to protect yourself and your home.

What if a windstorm threatens
Don't panic. Take the action you have in your plan. Help yourself and others. Turn off electrical and gas equipment. Never use a gas or charcoal stove or a generator indoors. Use a battery powered radio to find out important information.

Hot weather precautions include
Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment; drink plenty of fluids (but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar); and eat more frequent, light and balanced meals. Never leave a pet or person in a parked vehicle.

How to shelter-in-place
When chemical agents are released into our environment they may present a potentially harmful risk. Authorities may recommend sheltering-in-place. This means go inside, close all the windows and doors, turn off the ventilation systems, go into a room with the fewest doors or windows, seal the doors and windows, and listen to the radio for further information.

Accidental Poisonings
Poisons are throughout our environment. We use them to clean, fertilize our plants, lubricate and run our equipment, and even some medications are poisonous to some people or pets. Items may become poisonous if combined with other ingredients. Know what is in your house, garden and garage. Keep the Washington Poison Center number handy (1.800.222.1222) and use it if you are in doubt or have questions.

Remember Special Needs
Some of us are dependent on medications or procedures. Keep these in mind in planning and in building a kit. Put a minimum of a three-day supply of medication in the go kit (rotate these through regularly and change if the medications change). Include in the emergency bag a list of medications and copies of vital medical papers, such as insurance cards and power of attorney.

You do need insurance
The entire northwest is subject to earthquakes; having earthquake insurance is essential in your planning. Any building may be insured for flooding. Rates are based on the risk of possible flooding. Check with your agent on obtaining flood insurance.

Include kids and seniors in planning
Every member of the family should be included in the planning, including those that are the 'out-of-area contacts.' Everyone will gain a sense of comfort and security knowing that the planning process has been thoroughly conceived and everyone's needs are considered. Go over the plan and practice the steps regularly, practice evacuation of the home a few times a year. If neighbor's notice, it gives you a great segue to include them in joining in a neighborhood effort.

Think about preparation at home, in your commute and at work
We will be surprised where we will be when a large earthquake strikes our region. It is safe to be prepared where we spend the most time: at home, at work, or during our commute.
More information (PDF)

Remember the Pets
Our pets are often like members of the family; even the goldfish can be very important. Include the needs of each pet into the family planning for disasters. Water, food and medicines are all important to have in the go kit. Some pets will benefit if extras of their favorite toys are included. Keep copies of any pet's important papers, such as immunization records. Keep a pet carrier handy.

Personal Safety
Teach yourself to actively look for signs of potential problems and dangers; be aware of your surroundings. Remember crime is more likely in quiet areas. This can be parking garages or lots, bathrooms, and alleys. Get used to searching for things that look out of place before entering. Increase your ability to get attention: carry a whistle or personal alarm and a small flashlight. These can prove invaluable.

Earthquake Proof Your Home
Look around the rooms you are in and visualize what the objects will do if they receive a sideways push. Securely fasten large items to walls, such as mirrors, pictures, or paintings. Place them away from where people would sit or sleep and lower to the ground. Use Velcro or earthquake putty to secure breakable items. Be sure that all gas appliances, water heaters and fireplaces use flexible pipe fittings to avoid the risk of them ripping out during an earthquake. Make sure overhead light fixtures are secure or well mounted. Store fragile items such as china, glass, or ceramics, in cupboards
More information (PDF)

Know the area you're at
Go online and look up your address to see what has happened before or consider what you know. Have trees fallen? Has there been flooding? Are you at risk of landslides? Do you have limited access roads to and from your location? Knowing what hazards face your address lets you take steps to reduce harm.

Winter weather car preparedness
If you have a motor vehicle, the trunk can be a useful place to store supplies. Keep water, food, old blankets, warm clothes, sturdy shoes, extra medications, flashlights, maps, tools, road flares, a battery operated radio, and entertainment readily available in your trunk.