Ever wonder what’s in that metal, tan-colored box by the tennis courts? Find out when Seattle’s Emergency Communication Hubs respond to imaginary earthquakes using the gear that’s in that box.
“Double Trouble”, our upcoming exercise, is on:
Saturday, Sep 18
9am to 1pm
Maple Leaf Reservoir Park / Playground (not in Victory Heights Park)
Hub Volunteers need YOU to make this exercise successful. They need practice responding to the overwhelming requests for help that are likely after the “big one” hits. Everyone benefits from these drills. Volunteers get better at supporting their communities, the public learns what the Hubs can and cannot do, and the overall system gets stronger. Win Win Win.
What is an “Emergency Communication Hub”? It is a practical solution that takes advantage of a well-known phenomenon. Humans are social creatures; they instinctively gather after a large disaster to figure out what to do. Whether formally identified or not, every community has a natural gathering spot. It’s usually a green space, a parking lot, or a wide street. Somewhere open to the sky. We call these spaces “Hubs”. Groups of volunteers all over Seattle are familiar with the natural gathering spots in their neighborhoods and have agreed to “activate” when normal communications are down (no cell phone signals and no internet) to help their communities. These groups of neighbors become their communities’ Emergency Communication Hub. Seattle currently has sixty-six active Hubs. They have a system to collect and post information from authorities and help their neighbors meet basic needs. In the more developed sites, like Victory Heights, neighbors have pre-positioned supplies and equipment to help with this organizing effort. These supplies will be used and the processes will be tested during this exercise in September.
PLEASE DON’T MISS THIS DRILL! Many Victory Heights neighbors have participated in emergency drills in the past but this event will be a great refresher and/or training session. We don’t practice enough to be skilled responders – and it will be fun!
Show up for either, or both, imaginary earthquake events. Saturday, Sep 18th, from 9am to 1pm we’ll be on the north side of town – at the Maple Leaf Playground. Saturday, Sep 25th, from 9am to 1pm we’ll be on the south side of town – Jefferson Park. Getting involved is easy. More information can be found on the website at www.SeattleEmergencyHubs.org or by contacting Ann Forrest @ NorthSeattleHubs@gmail.com.
Parking is available at:
- St. Catherine of Siena Church (814 NE 85th Street)
- The Fairview Church (844 NE 78th Street)