READY IN RENTON: Ready Together
Published on September 16, 2026
Each September during National Preparedness Month, Renton’s Emergency Management Division’s “Ready in Renton” campaign advocates for emergency preparedness in our city. “Ready in Renton” creates an important opportunity for every member of the Renton community to prepare their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods for all types of emergencies.
With Renton having experienced both natural and human-caused disasters in the past, it is important to stay informed and ready. One way to learn more and practice skills is by taking one of our Emergency Management classes!
Classes are made possible by Renton Emergency Management, Renton Regional Fire Authority, Renton Emergency Communication Service, Renton Technical College, and volunteers like you!
STEPS TO TAKE: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Can’t take a class? There are small things you can do just within your neighborhood.
Before disaster strikes, you should:
- Meet your neighbors: Learn the names and phone numbers of the households immediately around you.
- Map your block: Draw a simple map of your street listing names, contact details, and any specific medical needs or pets in each home.
- Set up a way to communicate: Create a dedicated text message group or use a neighborhood app to stay in touch during a crisis.
- Establish a buddy system: Pair up with nearby older adults or anyone who might need extra assistance or help understanding emergency messages during an evacuation or power outage.
- Pool your resources: Make a list of who owns heavy tools like ladders, chainsaws, generators, or medical supplies so you know who has what.
- Plan a meeting spot: Pick a safe, open outdoor gathering place on your block where everyone can regroup after an event.
During and after an emergency, you should:
- Check on each other: Once you are safe, knock on doors or call adjacent neighbors to see if they need help.
- Share supplies: Distribute extra water, first aid items, or food if a nearby household runs low.
- Assist vulnerable people: Offer help to children, pregnant individuals, or those with mobility or medical needs. Visit ready.gov for more official guidance on community readiness.
- Relay official updates: Share verified emergency alerts with neighbors who might not have internet or power, or who might not easily understand English.
READY IN RENTON
During Monday's city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated September as Ready in Renton Month. Emergency Management Director Deborah Needham accepted the proclamation along with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Renton Emergency Communication Service (RECS) community members.
Needham shared, “When disasters happen, individual preparedness is not enough, community resilience relies on neighbors helping neighbors... The valuable CERT members and Renton Emergency Communication Service members are a vital part of the response -they are the boots on the ground before any other boots on the ground are there.”
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates and empowers residents with the basic knowledge and skills to act during and after an emergency. Learn more about the Community Emergency Response Team program and register for an upcoming course.
The Renton Emergency Communication Service (RECS) are a group of licensed amateur radio volunteers who provide emergency communications for the City of Renton. Learn more at Renton ECS.
Thank you to all the CERT and RECS members who play vital roles in emergency preparedness and response in Renton.
Take your own steps today and see how you can prepare at rentonwa.gov/ReadyinRenton.