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When Anderson Island Fire & Rescue responds to an emergency, every second matters. To help us reach those in need quickly and safely, always move to the right when you see emergency lights behind you. This simple action allows first responders to pass and has been the law in Washington state for years. But what about emergency vehicles already on the roadside ? That’s where the Ambrose-Searles Law, also known as “ Move Over, Slow Down ,” comes in. Imagine you’re driving when you suddenly spot flashing emergency or work vehicle lights ahead. At your current speed, you’re just seconds from passing the scene. Washington state law requires drivers approaching an emergency or work zone to move over one lane if possible—or slow down by at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. An emergency or work zone includes 200 feet before and after the scene. Most drivers know this applies to police, fire, and ambulance crews, but it also includes tow trucks, coroners, prosecuting attorneys, and work crews operating vehicles with flashing lights. A good rule of thumb? If a vehicle has flashing lights, assume it’s covered by the law . For emergency responders, tow truck operators, utility crews, and transportation workers, roadside work is incredibly dangerous. Every day, thousands of vehicles speed past them—often just feet away—while they risk their lives to serve the public. Unlike drivers who can see hazards ahead, roadside workers are exposed and vulnerable, with their attention on the task at hand. That’s why it’s critical to approach these situations with extreme caution. Failure to comply with the Move Over and Slow Down law can result in fines of up to $1,000, with even harsher penalties for incidents that cause injury or death. These fines cannot be waived, reduced, or suspended. Additionally, reckless endangerment of an emergency or work zone worker can lead to a 60-day driver’s license suspension. For more details, refer to RCW 46.61.212—and always remember to Move Over, Slow Down , and keep our first responders and roadside workers safe. Source: wsp.wa.gov , leg.wa.gov , licensingexpress.com , respondersafety.com

Finding shelter is crucial during times of disaster, but you are not alone. There are accessible safe options, whether staying with family or friends, booking a hotel room, or seeking refuge in a mass shelter. Remember, your safety and wellbeing come first, and support is available to help you through this. Immediate: Find a Safe Place to Go • As part of emergency preparedness, go over your contacts and identify friends or family that would be outside of your immediately affected area who can offer temporary shelter. • Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to talk with someone in person for guidance or information. To find a center near you, use the DRC Locator available at fema.gov or text DRC and your ZIP Code to 43362. Example: DRC 01234. • Search for open shelters near you by texting SHELTER and your ZIP Code to 43362. Example: Shelter 01234. • Contact your local American Red Cross to get help with: temporary sheltering/housing, mental health assistance, financial assistance and health services. Call (206) 323-2345. Intermediate: Find a Safe Place to Stay FEMA Disaster Relief and Recovery for Housing Lodging Expense Reimbursement Money to reimburse for hotels, motels, or other short-term lodging if you are temporarily displaced by the disaster. Who May Be Eligible? A disaster survivor: • Who stayed in a hotel, motel, or other short-term lodging while displaced from their primary residence Rental Assistance Funds may be available for eligible survivors who need a place to temporarily live while their home is repaired, or until they secure permanent housing. Who May Be Eligible? A disaster survivor: • Whose home is unlivable as a result of the disaster • Who agrees to relocate • Whose housing needs are not covered by insurance Transitional Sheltering Assistance If approved for the disaster, FEMA may provide temporary sheltering using participating hotels for eligible disaster survivors. Who May Be Eligible? A disaster survivor: • Who is displaced and taking refuge in emergency shelter locations • Whose home is unlivable or inaccessible due to the disaster The following have been identified as potential shelter sites by Pierce County's Dept of Emergency Management: On-Island Shelter Sites : Anderson Island Elementary School Anderson Island Archival Building American Legion Community Center (event dependent) Mainland Shelter Sites : Steilacoom Steilacoom High School Steilacoom Community Center Dupont Pioneer Middle School - Preferred location for family and friends reception center (FFRC) if reunification needed Key Peninsula Longbranch Improvement Club Key Peninsula Civic Center Fox Island Nichols Community Center Click to find downloadable versions of "Pedro Goes to a Shelter" and help your children be prepared! Source: disasterassistance.gov , redcross.org , fema.gov

During the recent Palisades and Eaton wildfires in California, residents had only a short window to evacuate their homes. In these high-stress situations, every second counts, and deciding what to take and what to leave behind can be overwhelming. That’s why we urge you to create an evacuation checklist now. Being prepared with a plan ensures you’re ready to act quickly if a 'Ready, Set, Go!' evacuation alert is issued. Don’t wait—prepare today to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. No. of vehicles ______ Drivers _____ Trailers _____ Motorcycles _____ Evacuation Items to Gather 15-Minute Warning : ☐ Wallet, purse, keys, glasses ☐ Cell phone(s), charger(s) ☐ Emergency cash, credit card ☐ Pets, carriers, leashes, meds ☐ Seasonally appropriate clothes, shoes, hats ☐ Hearing aids, medications ☐ Flashlights, extra batteries ☐ Safety deposit box key(s) ☐ Checkbooks ☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________ 30-Minute Warning : (The above, plus): ☐ Pillows, sleeping bags, blankets ☐ Address book, phone list ☐ Jewelry & most-valued personal possessions ☐ Personal hygiene items ☐ Other meds, supplements ☐ First aid kit, medical items ☐ Pet food, dishes, bedding, litter ☐ Children’s items, toys, books ☐Battery radio, extra batteries ☐ Toilet paper, hand wipes, soap ☐ Clothing for 3 days, shoes ☐ Computer, monitor, laptop ☐ Gallon jugs of drinking water ☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________ 1-Hour Warning : (The above, plus): ☐ Take or safeguard guns, ammo ☐ Ice cooler w/ice, food, drinks ☐ Genealogy records, files ☐ 3 days food, special diet items ☐ Gloves, dust mask for smoke ☐ Paper plates, cups, utensils ☐ School items (homework, pen, pencil, books, calculator, paper ☐ Licenses, vehicle titles, deeds ☐ Insurance, financial, medical data; Wills, Powers of Attorney ☐Personal property list, photos & appraisals, documentation ☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________ 2-Hour + Warning : (The above, plus): ☐ Albums, photos, home videos ☐ Albums, photos, home videos. ☐ Family photos on display ☐ Military decorations, records, mementoes, plaques ☐ Luggage (packed) ☐Valuable items, cameras ☐ Heirlooms, art, collections ☐ Primary cosmetics ☐ Secondary vehicles ☐ Camping equipment, tent ☐ Journals, diaries, letters ☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________ Evacuation To-Do List 15-Minute Warning : ☐ Gather household members and pets. ☐ Load available vehicles. ☐ Turn off lights, fans, heaters, AC, furnace and computers. ☐ Turn off hoses and sprinklers. ☐ Leave note on door telling firefighters you've evacuated. ☐ Lock doors, garage, take keys. ☐ Tell absent family where to meet and where to shelter. ☐ Load or release livestock. ☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________ 30-Minute Warning : (The above, plus): ☐ Alert family, friends to danger and where you will go (briefly). ☐ Turn on porch light (helps first responders find house in smoke or at night). ☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________ 1-Hour Warning : (The above, plus): ☐ Bring porch flammables inside (chairs, cushions, toys, gas grill). ☐ Move outdoor flammables away from house (mower, ATV, motorcycles, propane tanks, awnings, umbrellas, furniture). ☐ Move gasoline cans to gravel or concrete area far from house. ☐ Open or remove flammable shades, blinds and curtains. Close nonflammable blinds and windows. ☐ Chill key foods and meds in cold bag/with ice pack. ☐ If absent, contact neighbors to rescue your pets, if able. ☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________ 2-Hour+ Warning : (The above, plus): ☐ Connect/load trailer, if desired. ☐ Move or protect other vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles). ☐ Shut off gas/propane, but not electricity or water (may help first responders). ☐Remove plastic screens from windows near trees and bushes. ☐ Clear lumber, woodpile, leaves and other tinder sources near home. ☐ Remember important items in basement, sheds and garage. ☐Obtain cash for a few days' needs (remember that others are likely doing the same). ☐ Move flammable interior furniture aware from windows, glass doors and outside walls. ☐ Fill vehicles with gas (remember that others are likely doing the same). ☐ _____________________ ☐ _____________________

Meet our first Member Spotlight of 2025: FF-EMT Sharon Bruhn! No matter how busy she is outside the District, Sharon never misses a beat—always answering the call when needed. 👏🔥

The National Weather Service and other services like PC Alert often issue watches and warnings to alert residents of severe weather and when to seek shelter. So, what is the difference? Types of Weather Alerts • Thunderstorm • Freeze • Dense Fog • High Wind/Gale • Winter Storm • Coastal Flood • Flash Floods • Tornado • Excessive Heat • Fire Weather/Red Flag[…] Example Severe Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning : If a weather alert service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, then the atmosphere is favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. If a weather alert service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, then severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm. A common metaphor used to better understand the difference between Watch and Warning is the “Taco Method.” Taco Watch GET READY: Everything you need to make tacos is on the table. Taco Warning GET TO THE TABLE: Tacos have arrived! Download a Taco Watch Coloring Page Below! So now that we have a good idea of the difference between a Watch and a Warning, we can break it down even further and include Advisory. Watch : Have a Plan of Action and Use It! Advisory : Use Caution. Warning : Take Protective Action. Sign up for PC ALERT today by visiting piercecountywa.gov , call 253-798-6595 or text PCALERT to 888-777. Follow this link to watch a video explanation of watches and warnings from The Weather Channel. Credit: fema.gov , weather.gov

December's Member Spotlight is Firefighter Christopher Beck! Recently awarded the Lifesaving Award by the District, we are proud to have him on the Station 27 team!

In the aftermath of a disaster, everyday citizens can play a vital role in neighborhood recovery efforts by using basic, accessible rescue tools. While first responders bring specialized equipment, local residents equipped with simple tools can make a meaningful impact. Safety of the Scene Working in a disaster affected area can be extremely dangerous. Wait until the immediate hazard has passed before attempting to enter a building after a disaster and only when emergency services have declared it safe to do so. Personal Protective Equipment Having the correct personal protective equipment is a prerequisite to working in a post-disaster environment. The following are considered the essentials: • Construction hard hat • Protective Eyewear (safety goggles) • Dust mask (use surgical mask or N-95 mask) • Leather gloves • Closed toed shoes with heavy soles • Kneepads (critical if crawling through debris) A construction helmet is inexpensive protection against falling objects and debris. Eye protection should provide wrap around protection and be made of a shatter-free material. Dust masks must be tight fitting and provide a good seal against dust and debris that is abundantly present; avoid cheap paper filter masks that provide a poor fit. Leather gloves provide basic protection against glass, metal, and other sharp objects. Close-toed shoes with heavy soles will provide protection against nails and glass in the disaster zone. Essential Tools There are a handful of inexpensive tools to keep on hand to aid in any emergency rescue or recovery response. • Lighting/Flashlights (make sure your batteries are charged) • Multitool • Crowbar • Pocket Knife • Gas and Water Shut Off Tool • Duct Tape • Utility Rope Things to Consider : To effectively assist in recovery and response, it is best to be trained beforehand. Consider creating or joining a neighborhood disaster preparedness group or looking for opportunities to train as a member of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Even in a rural or small community, there are opportunities to receive training for rescue response. Credit: llu.edu , emergencykits.com , servewashington.wa.gov