Happy Thanksgiving. Our office is closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday.

WSDOT has provide some great tools to assist with both highway and ferry travel this Thanksgiving weekend: 🚗 Thanksgiving weekend travel charts for I-5, I-90 and US 2: kcowa.us/WSDOTHoliday ⛴️ Ferries Thanksgiving weekend travel tips: kcowa.us/FerryTravel

If you're traveling over the mountains this holiday week, be sure to check the forecast (weather.gov) and pass conditions (wsdot.com/passes) before leaving. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

A big thanks to the Seattle National Weather Service office for yesterday's overview of weather patterns anticipated this winter. This annual briefing hosted by KCDEM helps Kitsap County agencies with their planning and coordination. Over 100 people participated in the online briefing.

KCDEM welcomes new volunteers at our Winter Storm Shelter training: 💠Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 💠Operations & Training Center; 8900 Imperial Way SW, Bremerton 98312 💠Register at: buff.ly/hFCiUlF

Today we celebrate Veterans Day. We remember the contributions made by the brave men and women who have served our nation as members of the United States military. Thank you for your service.

Our CERT class this fall wrapped up on Saturday with exam day. Congratulations to the 17 participants who completed the training! CERT volunteers are trained to make a difference in their neighborhood when distaster strikes, and to work as part of a larger team of volunteers under KCDEM.

Thanks Kitsap County Sheriff's Office for the reminder that it is never drive or walk on flooded roads. You never know how deep the water is until it is too late. When in doubt, turn around. Stay safe, drive safe.

These dark and wet days of November include the threat of flooding. This can be triggered by heavy rains, as well as coastal flooding caused by extreme high tides. This year's king tides will take place Nov 7-9, Dec 6-8 and Jan 4-6. Learn more at buff.ly/A2imU02

A Wind Advisory for Western Washington is in effect until 1 PM this afternoon. Tree limbs could be blown down resulting in power outages. Use extra caution when driving and secure outdoor objects. Details at: buff.ly/wf7wc4K

Heavy rain and gusty winds are headed our way this afternoon and evening. Those out gathering candy should dress to stay warm, dry and visible. Be sure to carry a flashlight or other lighting and wear reflective gear.

Exciting update! A radio tower was installed over this past week at our Operations & Training Center. This is an essential resource for emergency communications in a disaster. Learn more about our team of radio operators at buff.ly/5tXG1u3

Rain is on the way! Don’t Wait – Clear the Grate We're expecting heavy rain this weekend. You can make a difference in keeping our neighborhoods safe and our waterways clean. Take a moment to clear leaves and debris from storm drains to avoid flooding on your street. Learn more at: buff.ly/oFq1fQC

The National Weather Service forecasts widespread moderate to heavy rain Thursday night into Friday. This may result in some localized flooding in areas of poor/blocked drainage. Be sure to check storm drains and clean gutters in advance.

ShakeAlert is free system that can potentially give you a few seconds of warning on your smart phone before you feel the shaking of an earthquake. Those seconds may give you just enough time to avoid injury by moving away from a large window or taking shelter under a table. More at: buff.ly/RrBSoMC

The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill is tomorrow at 10:16 a.m. - or any time convenient for you! Follow-up by organizing your documents, identifying ways your property and household items could be vulnerable in an earthquake, and reviewing your insurance coverage.

Severe Winter Shelters play a vital role in keeping people safe on the coldest nights each winter. We are seeking additional volunteers who are 18 years and older, able to pass a background check, and have a heart of compassion for others. Trainings start Oct. 23. Learn more at: kcowa.us/kcsws

This Thursday morning is the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Here's an overview of Drop, Cover and Hold On! - the safety measures you should learn and practice to stay safe in an earthquake. Learn more at: buff.ly/KpCNAos.

Your password may be strong, but your password AND multi-factor authentication is stronger. Learn why at: kcowa.us/MFA

Online hackers use convincing bait to try to get you hooked. Don’t fall for it! Learn how to recognize phishing and how to respond: kcowa.us/Phishing

It's tempting to use the same password for everything. It also makes you vulnerable to predators ready to access and steal your information. Create strong passwords by making them long, random and unique.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This week we'll be reviewing some important steps you can take to stay safe online. You'll find tools and resources for your organization at: bit.ly/3AOtI1j

The heavy rainfall in some parts of the county yesterday was a quick reminder of the importance of keeping the storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. Take time this weekend to check on nearby storm drains to prevent flooding and to protect our waterways from pollution.

The Phase One and Phase Two burn bans in Kitsap County will be lifted effective Friday, October 3 at 8:00 AM. Details at kcowa.us/burnban

The Great ShakeOut Earthquake drill is just a couple weeks away. Join the many schools, businesses and families across Kitsap County and around the world who are registered and will be participating in earthquake safety drills and activities. Register at buff.ly/N73LONo!

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training starts Oct 16 in Keyport. Learn the vital skills and teamwork essential to assist and support in an emergency or disaster. Details and registration at buff.ly/BQqZoMo

KCDEM will have resources on preparing for The Big One and other disasters at the Discover Kingston Open House. The event is today from 4-7 p.m. at the Village Green Center, 26159 Dulay Road, Kingston.

Recent earthquakes remind us that we need to prepare for a major earthquake. You can receive a few seconds of advanced notice before feeling the quake by downloading the MyShake app so you can take needed safety measures. Learn more at: buff.ly/S0R1H1c

This afternoon, KCDEM received notification of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia. The National Tsunami Warning Center reports there is no tsunami threat for US and Canadian Pacific coasts.

This Saturday, September 20 from 12-4 pm KCDEM will contribute to the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe's Emergency Preparedness Event at 31912 Little Boston Road NE, Kingston. This is a great opportunity to learn and receive resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters.

The Great ShakeOut Earthquake drill will take place this year is October 16th, although you can hold a drill anytime of the year! Join the many who are registered and will be participating in earthquake safety drills and activities. Register at buff.ly/S8HbTia!

Join us today at Olympic College Bremerton for Ready Bremerton 2025. Great disaster preparedness resources are available until 2 pm today.

Kitsap County is filled with people and organizations with skills, knowledge and resources that are critical to an effective disaster response. Come and learn how different groups and agencies will support the people of Kitsap in a disaster this Sat. from 10-2 at Olympic College.

Come and learn about our disaster hazards, including, The BIG ONE, this Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10-2 at the Olympic College Bremerton campus. Dozens of organizations, along with some food trucks, will set up in the parking. Learn more at: buff.ly/ASNeT1P

Did you know that Kitsap is vulternable different kinds of earthquakes? One is triggered by the Seattle Fault, a shallow fault that runs under Kitsap. A second is the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the coast. More at buff.ly/7vEtbPe graphic courtesy of The Seattle Times

Our CERT volunteers provided disaster preparedness resources to all ages at today’s Safety Fair organized by South Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Thank you team for serving the community in this way!

Take steps this weekend to diminish the impact of an earthquake on your home and personal property. Secure heavy items like televisions, bookcases, refrigerators, and objects that hang on walls. Learn how to find safety concerns in your home at kcowa.us/HazardHunt

Earthquakes can happen at anytime in Western Washington. Learn how to prepare for the shaking and the impact of a major quakes at: buff.ly/l0vzmVh

KCDEM will be at the South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Safety Fair on Sept. 6 at the Walmart parking lot from 10-2. CERT volunteers be providing some great resources to help you prepare for emergencies and disasters.

A major earthquake is the greatest disaster risk for Kitsap County. This video provides a great intro and the steps that you can take to stay safe. kcowa.us/EQbasics

It's National Preparedness Month here in Kitsap and across the nation. Disaster Preparedness starts at home, extends to the neighborhood and pulls the community together. Things you can do: Know your hazards, reduce risk, make plans and gather supplies. More at buff.ly/o6GdvR8

Happy Labor Day! The KCDEM office is closed today on this holiday.

Remember to lower your speed limits while driving through school zones.

We're teaming up with Olympic College and the Bremerton Fire Dept to provide a FREE kid-friendly Disaster Preparedness Fair on Sat., Sept. 13. READY BREMERTON 2025 will be at the OC Warren Ave. parking lot from 10 – 2 p.m. and will feature resources and workshops to help prepare for The Big One.

As the school year gets underway, pay extra attention to crosswalks when driving around schools. Remember to yield to children and adults crossing the street.

Kitsap County Sheriff's Office posted a great summary of safe driving tips now that kids are back in school and school buses are back on the road. Find it at buff.ly/XUAtHWo

Be sure to remember the basics of sharing the road with school buses: • Yellow flashing lights – Drivers should slow down • Red flashing lights – The bus is stopping and children are getting on or off the bus.

Kids start school this week and next. Be mindful of kids waiting for the school bus in the morning and walking home from the bus stop in the afternoon. Here’s a shout out to all of our school bus drivers who get our kids to school and back home safely each day!

The hot weather will continue through Tuesday. Take extra steps to combat the heat, especially if you work outdoors.

The Bremerton and Silverdale YMCA's are serving as Cooling Sites for residents who need a place to escape from the heat on Sat., Aug. 23. Guest fees will be waived if a community member mentions the location being a Cooling Site. Visitors will need to provide ID and sign a waiver.