VashonBePrepared Honored with Executive’s Award

VashonBePrepared and the Carnation-Duvall Citizen Corps Council were both honored with the first-ever Executive’s Awards for Community Preparedness.

"When storms knocked out power and blocked roads last winter, I saw first-hand how members of VashonBePrepared jumped into action to open warming shelters and deploy a ‘bucket brigade’ to distribute fuel for generators – keeping Island residents from suffering in the cold," said Executive Constantine. I am pleased to honor the spirit of self-reliance shown by these hardworking volunteers and encourage others to follow their lead."

VashonBePrepared was chosen for its quick action after last year’s Thanksgiving week winter storm that knocked down power lines and left many Vashon and Maury Island residents in the dark. Volunteers also coordinated the emergency response with King County and Puget Sound Energy to restore power to the area in half the time originally forecast.

"The impressive work done by VashonBePrepared in those cold, dark days went beyond the basics," Executive Constantine said. "Their ongoing actions demonstrate a ‘whole community’ approach to disaster response."

"Island communities can be isolated from emergency resources if disaster strikes. Preparation is the most important thing a community can do to ensure their safety," said Councilmember Joe McDermott who represents Vashon and Maury Islands. "VashonBePrepared is a model for other communities, and I commend them, their volunteers and partner organizations, and all the people of Vashon and Maury Islands for their exemplary work preparing for the unexpected."