HAZARDS AND THREATS
Quick access to commonly used links.
HIGH WINDS
NATURAL
Resources and links for regional weather radar, watches, and warnings . Information is used in Watch Briefing, Spot Reports, and Incident Reports.
SEVERE WEATHER
NATURAL
Resources and links for regional weather radar, watches, and warnings . Information is used in Watch Briefing, Spot Reports, and Incident Reports.
STRAIGHTLINE WIND STORM
NATURAL
Straight-line Wind Storm can have the equivalent in intensity of a tropical storm containing hurricane force winds. Combine with High Wind tracking resources.
AIR QUALITY
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Regional monitor for poor air quality. Seasonal Wildland Fire smoke and stagnant air
CIVIL UNREST
MAN MADE
Regional monitoring of impacts by protests, vandalism, and general civil unrest within the greater Seattle area.
WILDLAND FIRE
NATURAL
Regional resources for monitoring wildland fires in Washington, Oregon, and California. During major fire mobilizations crews from WA will be sent to other states and tribal nations.
EARTHQUAKE
NATURAL
Resources and links for US based earthquakes to include USGS Pager report showing economic impact. The Pager Report is used to activate the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue system.
WINTER STORM
NATURAL
Resources and links for regional weather radar, watches, and warnings . Information is used in Watch Briefing, Spot Reports, and Incident Reports.
RIOT
MAN MADE
Regional monitoring of major civil unrest resulting in widespread property damage, looting, and fires.
WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGE
MAN MADE
Tracking regional power outages using Puget Sound Energy, Peninsula Light, Grays Harbor PUD and Seattle City Light.
COASTAL STORM SURGE
NATURAL
Regional resources to monitor storm surge, king tides, and severe coastal erosion.
LANDSLIDE
NATURAL
USGS Landslide monitor for the Seattle region indicated soil saturation and stability thresholds. Use for Watch Briefings, Spot Reports, and Incident Reports.
KING TIDES
NATURAL
Northwest Hydrological Prediction Center monitors river conditions and forecast. Use for Watch Briefings, Spot Reports, and Incident Reports.
TSUNAMI
NATURAL
National Tsunami Warning Center issues alert messages through the NOAA Weather Radio network and FEMA IPAWS and National Alert Warning System (NAWS).
EPIDEMIC
NATURAL
Resources to monitor outbreak locations, case count, and countermeasures as defined by CDC and FEMA.
RIVER FLOODING
NATURAL
Northwest Hydrological Prediction Center monitors river conditions and forecast. Use for Watch Briefings, Spot Reports, and Incident Reports.
INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURE FIRE
MAN MADE
Industrial Structure Fires often involve hazardous materials and can require evacuation of areas down wind of the fire.
HIGH HEAT
NATURAL
NWS issues High Heat advisories and warnings for the region. Cooling center status and location resources listing by organization.
TORNADO
NATURAL
NWS issues Tornado Warnings for the region. Local radar system also monitor and report cyclonic rotation in the area.
DAM BREAK
MAN MADE
USGS resources to monitor current dam conditions and posted alert notifications for dam infrastructure issues.
MASS CAUSULTY INCIDENT
MAN MADE
Incident involving 10 or more patients requiring care utilizing multiple hospitals and agencies.
MAJOR STRUCTURE FIRE
MAN MADE
Major Structure Fire requiring multiple jurisdictions are managed at the local alarm center until the number of resources reaches State Fire Mobilization status.
HURRICANE
NATURAL
The National Hurricane Center monitors and issues alert on the formation of topical storms in the Atlantic Basin. The Pacific Hurricane Center reports on systems affecting Hawaii and Pacific islands.
FAST RISING WATER
NATURAL
Fast Rising water is used for sudden releases of water such as a dam break or levy breach.
MILITARY PLANE CRASH
MAN MADE
US Military Aircraft incidents pose a unique threat when carrying munitions, explosives, or nuclear weapons. State EOC center will assist with consequence management following an incident. Priority to secure any weapons will be the responsibility of the military.
ACTIVE SHOOTER
MAN MADE
Active Shooter incidents are handled at the local level unless it involves a mass causualty incident at a National Security Event. DHS will become the lead agency directing resources.
STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE
MAN MADE
Structural Collapse of an occupied building required Urban Search & Rescue assets. FEMA's Urban Search & Rescue program is a national asset and can be activated for support.
VOLCANO
NATURAL
The USGS Volcano Hazards Program Office monitors current conditions and activities of US volcanos. Alerts are issued when a volcano becomes active or poses a threat to aviation.
TERRORIST ATTACK
MAN MADE
Department of Homeland Security is responsible for the detection, prevention, mitigation, and response to terrorist attack. An elevation in the National Alert System indicates the readiness posture of maritime, aviation, and transportation sectors.