Washington · Preparedness Guide
Ready for what Washington actually throws at you.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone, Mount Rainier's lahar hazard zone with 150,000 people in it, wildfires across the east, and one of the most active volcanic landscapes in the lower 48.
About this guide
Built for Washington. Not everywhere.
Washington State has a hazard profile unlike any other state in the country. The Cascadia Subduction Zone offshore will produce a magnitude 9.0+ earthquake — the only question is when. The resulting tsunami will devastate the Pacific coast. But the Cascadia earthquake also has the potential to trigger a lahar from Mount Rainier — a wall of volcanic debris and water that could bury the entire Puyallup River valley within hours, affecting 150,000 people. Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980; the Cascades have several other active volcanic peaks. Eastern Washington burns every summer. The June 2021 heat dome killed 100+ Washingtonians. Puget Sound ice storms paralyze Seattle. Every region of Washington faces hazards that demand genuine preparation.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake & Tsunami, Volcanic Hazards (Mt. Rainier / Cascades), Wildfires
WA has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 4b (northeastern WA / Okanogan Highlands) to 9b (Seattle / Puget Sound lowlands)
Unemployment: up to $1,152/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
What this guide covers.
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Local Risk Readiness
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Local Learning
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Local Community
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Local Emergency
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Local Gardening
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Local Safety Net
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Local Transportation
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Checklists
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Make it personal to your county.
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Where do you want to go next?
Know your risks
See what's actually likely where you live.
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the WA risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
Start with three days of self-reliance.
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours