Woodinville Kindergartener Takes Second Place in Disaster Preparedness Contest

A Woodinville kindergartener is a winner in a local disaster preparedness program called "What to do to Make it Through."

Dylan Smith of East Ridge Elementary in Woodinville and Ellen Lee, a 5th grader at View Ridge Elementary in Seattle, were the two winners out of 400 entries in the second year of the contest.

Ellen and Dylan’s posters stood out to judges – creatively displaying ways Washington residents and their families should prepare for a disaster. Ellen created a comic, and Dylan made playing cards. 

Six-year-old Dylan's trading cards include the different steps kids can take to help their families prepare, such as making a plan, building a kit, and even protecting pets. 

“Experience has shown it could take from several days to more than a week before essential services are restored in the case of an earthquake,” said JoAnn Jordan, public education coordinator at the Seattle Office of Emergency Management (OEM). “We’re talking basics like running water, electricity and phones, plus supplies for infants, seniors or the family cat or dog.”

Eleven-year-old Ellen chose to focus on an earthquake, and experts encourage residents of all ages to prepare for “the big one.” In fact, “Given the magnitude of the earthquake that’s likely to occur in the Pacific Northwest, it’s really important to plan to be self-sufficient for seven to 10 days,” says Jordan.

First and foremost, Jordan recommends building a kit with enough of these items to last for seven to 10 days: 

• Storage container: a plastic bin, or even an old suitcase or backpacks, which you’ll store near an exit
• Water: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
• Food: seven to 10 days of non-perishable foods per person and pet
• Cash: small bills are best (ATMs won’t work without electricity)
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries (no candles!)
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Filter mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air
• Moist towelettes for sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, if needed
• Manual can opener for food
• Shelter items like tents, tarps and rope
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
• Unique family needs: supplies for infants, pets and elderly; prescriptions; important family documents