Washington State Disaster Drill and Hazard Plan Focus on Earthquake Readiness

The U.S. Navy will conduct its annual Citadel Rumble disaster‑preparedness exercise from Aug 3‑7, involving Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett, Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Magazine Indian Island. The multi‑day drill simulates an earthquake and cascading emergencies, testing damage assessment, evacuation, recovery, family accountability and coordination with local mutual‑aid agencies. Residents near the installations may hear emergency notifications but the Navy does not expect impacts beyond its property.

Island County, Washington, released a draft update of its Multi‑Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan, identifying earthquakes, severe weather, landslides and flooding as its highest‑priority risks. Developed with FEMA funding and input from local municipalities, hospitals and fire districts, the plan proposes new measures such as an emergency operations center, an information bank for individuals with functional needs, water‑priority planning and climate‑change mitigation actions. The public is invited to review and comment on the draft.