On May 3, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) hosted a webinar about state and local emergency alert systems for early learning providers and foster parents. The recorded webinar is available online: Emergency Alert Systems Webinar.
It is important to note that preparedness is the responsibility of all citizens. Connecting early learning providers and foster parents to state and local emergency alert systems is an important step in keeping children in our state safe and healthy. It is often a surprise when people learn that there is no single emergency alert system used across Washington State.
Instead, each county has an independent Emergency Management System. These systems coordinate with a multitude of organizations to create warning alerts, such as state and local police, fire districts and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service.
A number of cities also have their own Emergency Management Systems. In many larger urban areas, multiple Emergency Management Systems support the various jurisdictions.
Every county is required to have an Emergency Management System plan. Below are resources to connect with county Emergency Management Systems: