Montlake Emergency Hub News
July 2026
Tip of the month
Montlake Emergency Hub is sharing tips from the Emergency Management Division of Washington, www.DisasterReadyWashington.com, to help you prepare for natural disasters. Spend one hour each month to make progress on this essential goal.
This month we will focus on getting 2 weeks ready.
During a major disaster you may be on your own for two weeks before other resources are available. Thus, the goal is to have two weeks of supplies to manage your family’s needs. Below are some categories to consider.
- Shelter
If your home is not safe after a disaster you will need to sleep elsewhere. Having tents, tarps, sleeping bags, rain gear, or space blankets can help keep you warm and dry. If you have a van, camper, or other large vehicle you can use that as an alternate shelter.
- Food — Cooking
Camp stoves can be used to heat and cook food outdoors. Never use them indoors as they could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not use a fireplace after an earthquake unless the chimney has been inspected.
For emergency food supplies that require water only be sure to use clean water. You can clean water by filtering or boiling.
- Food — Storage
Try to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain safe temperatures – 6 hours for a refrigerator ,1-2 days for a full freezer and 1 day for a ½ full freezer.
Discard foods under 40° F. If in doubt, throw it out. Food at highest risk includes meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, soft cheeses, and any items made with these products.o When the power returns, allow the refrigerator to reach a temperature lower than 40° F before restocking.
- Sanitation
Do not flush your toilet if there is a possibility of damage to the water lines. This could contaminate water supplies.
Follow this link for ways to make emergency toilets and safely dispose of waste, Emergency-Toilet-Instructions.
- Lighting
Have flashlights, battery operated camping lanterns, and extra batteries on hand.
Glow sticks can be used to provide light for 1-12 hours.
Solar lights can be recharged in the sun.
- To Go Kit
Over the last several months we have discussed items to place in your To Go Kit. Be sure that you have enough items to last you for two weeks. Check your kit every 6 months to rotate supplies. Using a family member’s birthday and half birthday is an easy way to remember this task.
Events
- Hub 101 – in early October
- Grand Opening: We hope you were able to join us at the Montlake Emergency Hub Grand Opening on June 20th. If you were unable to attend, you can read about it in the upcoming Montlake Flyer. In the event of a major disaster, the Montlake Emergency Hub will activate at the Montlake Library and help the community organize and support our neighbors in meeting their basic needs until help can arrive from outside the impacted area. You can find out more about the Hub at https://www.montlake.net/emergency-hub
Get Involved!
Please consider volunteering with the Montlake Emergency Hub. There are so many ways that you can participate. Please contact us at MontlakeEmergencyHub@Montlake.net if you have any questions or you are interested.
Next meeting: Wednesday, July 1 -7:00pm- 8:30pm @ Boyer Children’s Clinic 1850 Boyer Ave E. (details to be sent via email). Please NOTE the new evening meeting timing and new meeting locations: every 1st Wednesday night – 7:00pm-8:30pm @ Boyer Children’s Clinic
Find out more about us from MCC website! https://www.montlake.net/emergency-hub
