If you are looking for a fun and rewarding team-building activity, how about boosting esprit de corps by helping King County plant a million trees?   As part of the County’s “1 Million Trees” initiative, King County Parks is currently signing up volunteers for tree planting events this fall and winter on many of its properties. Planting a million trees by 2020 is a target action in King County’s 2015 Strategic Climate Action Plan.  “Whether pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, cleaning contaminants from the air and water, preventing flooding, providing shade or… Read More

More than 100 regional stakeholders gathered together October 12 for our 6th Annual Winter Weather Seminar. Facing another La Nina forecast, NWS Seattle’s Ted Buehner said we can expect cooler and wetter than average conditions this winter season. Already we’ve seen snowfall at low elevations and stage 2 flooding in some areas. Professional experts assured participants we are ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way.    The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on past events and lessons learned. Of note was praise from King County Road Services for a collective response to… Read More

Crossposted from KC Employee Giving  For many of us, our pets are more than just pets – they are a part of the family. Cats and dogs are there in our moments of joy and of sadness, in our moments of smiles and tears. In this year’s Annual Giving Drive, you too can make a difference in an animal’s life by donating to one or various organizations. Don’t wait, lend a paw to a cat or dog in search of their forever home.  With over 80 nonprofit organizations doing work with animals, below are… Read More

Only a month ago, the nation witnessed hurricane-induced flooding in many parts of the country. Our region doesn’t experience hurricanes, but we do experience flood conditions nearly every year due to another weather phenomenon that recently garnered headlines – atmospheric rivers. When the rains fall and the rivers rise, King County’s flood response teams kick into gear. One of the first steps is the opening of the King County Flood Warning Center (FWC), which gathers, analyzes and distributes flood-related information to help people – including County employees – protect themselves, their families and… Read More

Over the summer, several incidents of assault were reported in downtown Seattle around the King County Courthouse building, including assaults on residents reporting for jury duty. As a result King County, the City of Seattle, Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) at The Morrison and the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) began working together on a new initiative – the Courthouse Vicinity Improvement effort – to improve the safety and cleanliness around the Courthouse for employees, visitors and residents of the area. Along with need for increased security, cleaning up the sidewalk areas outside… Read More

This blog is maintained by King County Emergency Management. In the event of a widespread disaster or other significant event, it will be used to inform residents in King County, Washington and the central Puget Sound region. The information provided may include safety tips, emergency directives, ways to stay informed, and important updates. Follow the King County Emergency News blog today! Click here to view all King County social media pages.