Helpful Links
- Map Your Neighborhood Info and Handouts
- Emergency Assessment Matrix
- Disaster Preparedness Calendar (4 pages)
- Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management
- NIXLE – Emergency Management Services
- Local 20/20 – Emergency Preparedness Resources
- American Red Cross, Northwest Regional chapter
- P.U.D. – Jefferson County Public Utility District
- KPTZ Virus Watch Updates
Tsunami Scenario Information
- Port Townsend Inundation Animation
- Tsunami Wave Simulation for Washington State
- DNR Geological Hazard Maps – includes evacuation maps
- Tsunami Could Inundate Seattle Area Within Three Minutes
Earthquake Scenario Information
Great Earthquakes of the Pacific Northwest by Nick Zentner, CWU
Seattle Area Earthquake Drill by Dr. Robert B. Forbes, Geologist
Our Goals and Responsibilities
KPTZ’s role is to pass on vital information in partnership with local government through the Jefferson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). In an emergency, the goal is to get the right KPTZ people to the right place at the right time, and to relay accurate information via the 91.9FM airwaves.
The KPTZ Emergency Team, as its primary aim, is to provide vital and timely information for events that are deemed by the EOC to be emergencies — situations where lives or property are in real danger. The station’s complementary goal is to educate community members on how to prepare for an emergency.
KPTZ’s Emergency Team is made up of a core of station volunteers led by Nora Petrich, in partnership with DEM Director Willie Bence and other representatives of the EOC. The team has been meeting regularly since the station began broadcasting, and has run many drills.
In the case of a widespread emergency, KPTZ will respond as quickly as possible to go on air with information. Working with the entire KPTZ volunteer base, in order to be prepared, the station’s emergency systems are documented. The station is prepared to attend to the needs of the community. KPTZ provides all these services at extremely low cost.
KPTZ officially is a trusted partner with the EOC, a rare privilege for community radio stations. As a result, KPTZ’s E-Team member on duty is permitted to embed at the EOC, and if necessary, broadcast directly from that facility. Several team members have passed the basic FEMA classes in order to be credentialed by the EOC, and therefore are allowed to be embedded.
KPTZ airs Local News Monday through Saturday at noon (repeats on weekdays at 5pm). In addition, the station relays timely information for larger events broadcast on the Nixle system.
Successes
PPE Supplies Arrive in Jefferson County
The national stockpile of personal protection equipment used by first responders may be running low, but there is no shortage of American generosity and ingenuity.
Luis Munoz, owner of Steel Rule Concepts, a custom steel die manufacturer, heard about the shortage of face shields used by firefighters, EMTs, and health care workers last weekend and decided to help out. Munoz started manufacturing them in response to the pandemic, and has been personally delivering them to first responders around Puget Sound.
By Wednesday, April 1, he had a design ready and was working with four other companies to make face shields. Two days later, he delivered hundreds of them to E. Jefferson Fire Rescue in Chimacum. He made additional donations to other agencies while traveling from his business, located in Kent, and plans to distribute more.
Asst. Chief Pete Brummel said the supplies will be shared by local fire districts and health care workers. The shields help protect people helping those who may have COVID-19. Like thousands of other communities across the nation, Jefferson County’s emergency response agencies have been working to restock as their inventories decline.
Backup Systems
We have built many backup systems. Both the transmitter and studio have generators. There is a microwave link between the centers that will allow communication even if the phone lines are down. There is a backup studio at the transmitter site in case the primary studio is inoperable.
We are implementing a hand held radio network for communication between team members. There is a KPTZ desk at the JCEOC with the capability of interrupting regular programming with emergency updates. We can remotely record information and place it into the studio system to give regular updates.
We are developing a network of individuals we can call on to provide “on the ground” information in the case of an emergency.
