(Image: Seattle Emergency Hub Network)
Homer Harris Park was recently the center of an exercise to help fine tune the abilities of neighbors to help neighbors in the Central District and across Capitol Hill in the event of a major catastrophe as part of a network of neighborhood hubs covering an increasing number of neighborhoods in Seattle.
If you look at the map of Seattle hubs and don’t see one in your area, don’t wait for someone else to build your community.
“You can start one if there’s a gap,” said Cindi Barker, one of the volunteer coordinators for the Hub Network and a Hub Captain for Morgan Junction Hub in West Seattle.
The Pacific Northwest, situated along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, faces the risk of a powerful earthquake. Recognizing the potential devastation of such an event, volunteers with the Seattle Emergency Hub Network are working to prepare Seattle residents for this looming threat.
The Hub Network: A Community-Driven Approach to Disaster Preparedness
The Hub Network, modeled after successful disaster preparedness initiatives in New Zealand, operates on the principle of community resilience. It comprises over 140 designated meeting points or Hubs strategically located throughout Seattle. These Hubs are situated in geologically safe areas away from potential building collapses and in spaces where people naturally congregate, such as parks, grocery stores, or condominiums.
Each Hub is equipped with a metal “Hub Box” containing essential communication equipment. In the event of a disaster that disrupts communication channels, trained volunteers activate these Hubs, providing a central location for neighbors to share information and resources.
(Image: CHS)
Practice Makes Perfect: Simulating Disaster Scenarios
To ensure the effectiveness of their emergency response strategy, the Hub Network conducts regular practice exercises. The recent simulation at Homer Harris Park mirrored the challenges of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hitting Seattle during a major event like the FIFA World Cup.
Participants were assigned disaster scenarios, such as finding clean water or needing shelter. Volunteers assessed their needs and directed them to appropriate “stations” where they could either find the required resources or record their needs or offers of help. This information was then collated and used to match those in need with those who could provide assistance.
It is an old school process shaped for the realities of a major emergency.
“In the event that we lose technology, we might have to revert to pen and pencil. This practice is 100% physical,” said volunteer Karen Lewis.
The practice also serves a s reminder of what the neighborhoods will ned to make it through.
“A practice exercise like this reminds people that they live in earthquake country and should think about how they can be prepared to be on their own for up to two weeks and where they can go to share information, skills and resources,” Barker said.
The Importance of Community Engagement
The Hub Network emphasizes that disaster preparedness is a collective responsibility.
“It’s not just about individual readiness,” says Barker. “It’s about building a resilient community where neighbors support each other during times of crisis.”
Community members are encouraged to participate in Hub activities, including monthly Zoom meetings, radio check-ins, and training sessions. The network also welcomes individuals to establish new Hubs in areas currently lacking coverage.
Preparing for the Unthinkable
Seattle’s emergency responders acknowledge that their resources would be stretched thin in a major disaster. “They can’t be everywhere for everyone,” Barker points out, highlighting the crucial role of community-led initiatives.
By fostering a culture of preparedness and mutual aid, the Hub Network aims to empower Seattle residents to face the “Big One” with confidence and resilience. As Barker puts it, “A practice exercise like this reminds people that they live in earthquake country and should think about how they can be prepared to be on their own for up to two weeks and where they can go to share information, skills, and resources.”
Get Involved: Become a Rumble-Ready Neighborhood Helper
While the Hubs have grown to over 140 locations about half have an active volunteer group learning and practicing. Many areas of the city and across Capitol Hill and the Central District have no group at all.
CHS visited here last summer with the North Capitol Hill group as they organized a drill in the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s parking lot at 13th and E Aloha
The Seattle Emergency Hubs Network offers various ways for residents to get involved in disaster preparedness efforts. Whether it’s attending training sessions, volunteering at a local Hub, or starting a new Hub in your neighborhood, every contribution counts.
To learn more about how you can help, visit seattleemergencyhubs.org.
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