Disaster Preparation

When our region is hit by a natural or man-made disaster, we need to be ready to help those most in need.

United Way of King County is ensuring that at least half of the human service agencies in King County have up-to-date disaster preparedness, response and recovery (business continuity) plans. We're continuing to work to increase cultural competence among health and human service providers through such outcomes as increasing access to services for vulnerable populations.

Our investments in the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties enabled the organization to provide community disaster education to 10,256 King County residents-including seniors, their caregivers and other vulnerable populations.

In 2008, the 2-1-1 resource line helped 107,875 callers in King County alone find the resources and information they needed.

Strengthening our health and human services system will enable it to most effectively respond to current and emerging needs in our community-especially around issues that affect our most vulnerable citizens.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY

• Washington has the second highest seismic risk in the nation, making the Puget Sound area particularly susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and tsunamis.
• The potential for loss of life, injury and disruption in the lives of King County residents is more poignant, given the cultural, language and income diversity of our population.
• In King County, at least 10 percent of residents speak a primary language at home other than English.
• One in 10 King County residents live at the federal poverty level.