Know Your Natural Hazards
All Hazards Preparedness
Additional Resources

Whatcom County is home to many natural hazards including Earthquake, Flooding-Coastal, Flooding-River, Landslide, Liquefaction, Tsunami, Volcano, and Wildfire.   Awareness is the first step towards preparing for disasters.  Learn more about the natural hazards here in Whatcom County and ways to prepare for disasters by clicking on the links below.  

Know Your Natural Hazards  

Explore the Whatcom County Natural Hazards Explorer to learn more about the natural hazards in Whatcom County and identify resources for reducing personal risk from Earthquakes, Flooding-Coastal, Flooding-River, Landslides, Liquefaction, Tsunami, Volcano, and Wildfire. 

All Hazards Preparedness - Prepare in a Year Guide  

See the Prepare in a Year Guide, Para una versión en español, haga clic aquí., Для русской версии нажмите здесь.. 
This guide will help walk you through 12 important steps for disaster preparedness.

Preparedness Resources links

• Know your trusted weather and forecast sources:
  • National Weather Service, Seattle
  • Current watches, warnings, or advisories for Whatcom County
  • The Weather Channel
  • University of Washington Department of Atmospheric Sciences
  • Environment Canada Public Weather Alerts
  • 5-Day Nooksack River Forecast
  • 10-Day Nooksack River Forecast - This site provides the best 10-day advanced river level forecast for rain events. 
  • USGS Streamflow Data for Washington - Scroll down the list to find real-time streamflow data for the Whatcom Creek and Lake Whatcom Basin, Nooksack River Basin, and Sumas River Basin.
• Preparedness Journey Video.  Watch this video for tips on how to begin your Preparedness Journey.
• Alerts: Sign up to receive local alerts and emergency notifications through AlertSense.
• Earthquake: See Ready.gov - Earthquake Preparedness site.  Tips include: Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On. Make an Emergency Plan. Protect Your Home.  
• Flood: See Ready.gov - Flood Preparedness site. Tips include: Know your risk for Floods, Purchase Flood Insurance, Prepare for a Flood. In Case of Emergency Plans. 
• Landslide: See Ready.gov - Landslide Preparedness site. Tips include: Build an emergency kit. Make a plan. Leave when told to evacuate. Consult a professional for advice on protective measures for your property. Protect your property based on recommendations from qualified geotechnical professionals, local city and county guidance. Consider building channels or walls to redirect mud and debris. Talk with your insurance agent if you are at risk. Sign up for community warning system AlertSense.  
• Tsunami: See the Department of Natural Resources Tsunami Preparedness site. Tips include: Know the warning signs of a Tsunami to know what to do. Evacuate immediately if you hear a Tsunami warning siren, feel a strong earthquake near a large body of water, notice a very large wave approaching or rapid rise in sea level, see coast waters recede, notice a landslide that falls into a large body of water.
• Volcano: See the US Geological Survey - Volcano Preparedness site. Tips include:  Learn about Volcano hazard zones and evacuation routes. Be ready to follow official guidance from local officials. Sign up for community warning system AlertSense. Make a safety plan and build an emergency kit. Review Are You Ready for An Eruption? information. 
• Wildfire: See the Ready.gov - Wildfire Preparedness site. Tips include: Recognize warnings and alerts. Sign up for the community warning system AlertSense. Make and emergency plan. Review important documents.  Strengthen your home. Know evacuation routes. Gather supplies. 
• Additional Preparedness Resources: See the Washington State Emergency Management Division Preparedness site for an extensive list of preparedness publications, videos, activities, and more.