Bellevue is the fifth largest city in Washington and one of the fastest growing, with a fire department that has grown to meet the expanding needs of our community. We respond to approximately 20,000 incidents each year, 75% of them medical in nature.
The department maintains one of the highest cardiac arrest survival rates in world. One of a select few firefighting agencies with a Class 2 rating from the Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau, Bellevue Fire ranks in the top 1% of the 46,699 departments in the U.S., and is one of the top three in the state.
September is National Preparedness Month
As September rolls around, families across the country are immersed in back-to-school preparations. From purchasing
school supplies to organizing daily routines, this time of year is all about setting the stage for a successful school year. But September is also National Preparedness Month—a timely reminder that readiness for unexpected events is as crucial as ensuring your child has a sturdy backpack and sharpened pencils.
Schools often conduct drills for fire, lockdowns, and other emergencies, but preparation shouldn't stop at the school gate. Parents and guardians play a critical role in extending this preparedness into the home, creating a cohesive plan that can be activated whether the family is at home, at school, or on the move.
As you prepare your child for the new school year, incorporate emergency readiness into your routine to ensure safety and reduce chaos when the unexpected happens. Here are a few steps to consider:
- Review School Emergency Plans: Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures at your child's school. Understand how they communicate with parents and guardians during an emergency and ensure your contact information is up to date.
- Create a Family Emergency Plan: Involve your children in creating a family emergency plan. Discuss what to do if an emergency occurs while they're at school, at home, or in transit. Practice this plan regularly so everyone knows their role.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Just as your child needs school supplies, your home needs an emergency kit. Stock it with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries. For school, consider packing a small kit with essentials in your child's backpack, including snacks and a comfort item.
- Communication is Key: Ensure that your child knows how to reach you or another trusted adult in an emergency. Teach them how to use any emergency alert apps or systems their school might have in place.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and stay informed about potential risks in your area. Knowledge is power, and staying updated can help you respond swiftly and effectively in a crisis.
By integrating emergency preparedness into your back-to-school checklist, you're not only setting your child up for academic success but also ensuring their safety in the face of unforeseen events. September is a perfect time to take stock of your readiness plans and make any necessary updates. After all, being prepared today means peace of mind tomorrow.
PulsePoint life saving app
You know CPR and you've been trained how to use an AED. The PulsePoint app can make it easier for you to save a life with those skills. Launched by the King County Fire Chiefs Association and the Medic One Foundation, the app notifies registered PulsePoint users when someone nearby is in cardiac arrest and needs help.
The Medic One Foundation has details.