Seattle Emergency Hubs

Nisqually Earthquake Remembrance Day
2026-02-28
On February 28, 2001, at exactly 10:54 a.m., the earth beneath Western Washington decided to get everyone’s attention.
The 2001 Nisqually earthquake—a magnitude 6.8—rattled Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and just about every coffee mug in a five-county radius. The shaking lasted for about 45 very long seconds. If you lived here then, you probably remember the universal opening line: “Was that a truck?” It was not a truck. It was an event that occurred 30+ miles beneath the surface and reminded us, not so subtilely, that the Pacific Northwest is geologically dynamic (occasionally dramatic).
For a few hours that day, we were all in it together.

Strangers checking on strangers
Office workers sharing cell phones
Radio stations turning into lifelines

There’s something about disasters that create instant community.
Here are a few steps you can take now to prepare for whatever lies ahead…

Sign up for “Alert Seattle“
Download other useful smartphone apps so you’re “Tech Ready“
Buy a gallon, or two, of bottled water the next time you visit the grocery store and tuck it away

You’ll never regret taking a few steps to become better prepared.

Deep Dive
2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Online via Zoom
We explore topics, in depth, to gain a greater understanding of our role after a large event (earthquake, power grid failure, etc.)
Every other 4th Thursday – Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct
On Zoom, link sent out via Hub Captains email

Nisqually at 25: The Earthquake We Survived - And Preparing For The Next One
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes Room, 600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104, United States
This February marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake, a moment that reshaped how Seattle understands earthquake risk and public safety. Join the City of Seattle, earthquake scientists, emergency managers, and building experts for an evening discussing quake damages, what we’ve learned since, and what it will take to be ready for the Big One. Learn more about the event and the Fix the Bricks campaign.
The free event will feature remarks and presentations from those who experienced Nisqually firsthand and those working today to prevent future tragedy:

Ryan Molenkamp, artist, will exhibit a selection of his haunting series “Fear of Earthquakes,” capturing the emotional weight of living with seismic uncertainty.
Brian Surratt, Seattle Deputy Mayor, will deliver opening remarks on the city’s resilience efforts and the path forward.
Harold Tobin, Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), will discuss the science of the Nisqually quake and what we know about future earthquakes.
Jon Siu, Seattle’s Building Official during Nisqually, will recount the building damage, closures, and structural lessons learned in the quake’s aftermath.
Jim Mullen, Seattle’s Emergency Manager during Nisqually and former Director of Washington State Emergency Management, will speak about leading emergency operations that day, and the long-term challenges of statewide preparedness.
Kyle Steuck, President of the Washington Chapter of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), will connect Seattle’s risks to global earthquake losses and what modern engineering tells us we must still do.
Amanda Hertzfeld, Seattle URM Program Manager, will provide an update on Seattle’s recent URM retrofit actions, and why the failure to act at the state level is so consequential.

When:
Thursday, February 26, 2026
6 – 8 PM
Location:
Seattle City Hall Bertha Knight Landes Room
(Floor 1 of City Hall, Fifth Avenue Entrance)
600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Registration:
Register to attend
Event Contact:
Amanda Hertzfeld
amanda.hertzfeld@seattle.gov

25 Years Since the Nisqually Earthquake, Are we ready for the next one?
2026-02-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Kelly Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3930 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States
The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network is hosting a free, public event at UW to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Nisqually earthquake.

Tuesday, February 24
6:30pm – 8pm
University of Washington, Seattle campus

Kelly Ethnic Cultural Theater
3930 Brooklyn Ave NE

REGISTRATION is Strongly Encouraged:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/25-years-since-the-nisqually-earthquake-are-we-ready-for-the-next-one-tickets-1983004305258

GMRS radio network check in
2026-02-23 20:00 - 20:15, 2026-02-16 20:00 - 20:15, 2026-02-09 20:00 - 20:15, 2026-02-02 20:00 - 20:15, 2026-01-26 20:00 - 20:15, 2026-01-19 20:00 - 20:15, 2026-01-12 20:00 - 20:15, 2026-01-05 20:00 - 20:15 and 6 more dates | On the Air, Seattle, WA, United States
1st Monday of the month – Channel 1 repeater
2nd Monday of the month – Channel 2 repeater
3rd Monday of the month – Channel 4 repeater
4th Monday of the month – Channel 6 repeater
5th Monday of the month – Available for hubs to get on their assigned sector repeaters and test hub to hub communications, or practice per-sector nets.

This is a weekly on-air talk around to test our radios and antennas. There will not be a formal net, please come up on the weekly designated channel and connect with other GMRS hub radio operators. Share announcements, compare radios signal strength, meet new operators; this is to encourage participation and ensure our equipment is always in working order.

Hub 101 - Greenwood Senior Center - Feb 15
2026-02-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th Street, Seattle, WA, 98103, United States
Learn how an “Emergency Hub” works so you can quickly jump in and support your neighbors post-disaster. We’ll practice the basic roles and run thru “scripts” (situations we think our neighbors will come to the Hub with). It’s great fun and interactive. You’ll quickly grasp how everything works together and feel much more prepared to support your household – and your neighbors!

Sunday, Feb 15
1pm
Greenwood Senior Center (525 N. 85th Street)

ALL are welcome!
If you’re coming as a Hub group, we’ll set you at the same table to help you strengthen bonds.
Please SignUp HERE… https://signup.com/go/KYDbUjY
Many thanks to the Crown Hill Hub for hosting!!

Inclusive Emergency Preparedness - Lunch series
2026-02-12 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-05 12:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
FREE 4-week workshop series to learn the basics of emergency preparedness. We encourage people with disabilities and their friends, families and caregivers to attend. Participants will leave with step-by-step practical resources and a better understanding of how to prepare for earthquakes, winter weather and other disasters.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon
30 minutes long
RSVP to receive the Zoom link at http://tinyurl.com/DEC-prepare
Request accommodations at info@DisabilityEmpowerment.org

Feb 3 = What to prepare for in Seattle
Feb 5 = Evacuating vs. sheltering in place
Feb 10 = Utilities and preparing for power outages
Feb 12 = Communication and making a plan

Inclusive Emergency Preparedness – Lunch series
2026-02-10 12:00 - 12:30

📡 World Amateur Radio Day!
2026-02-10
When everything else goes down, radio still works.
On April 18, we celebrate World Amateur Radio Day — honoring volunteer radio operators who connect communities across town and across the globe.
From neighborhood events to real emergencies, ham radio operators step up when communication matters most.
Curious? This is a great day to learn how radio builds resilience. 📡

Inclusive Emergency Preparedness - Lunch series
2026-02-03 12:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
FREE 4-week workshop series to learn the basics of emergency preparedness. We encourage people with disabilities and their friends, families and caregivers to attend. Participants will leave with step-by-step practical resources and a better understanding of how to prepare for earthquakes, winter weather and other disasters.
Feb 3 is a repeat of the first session offered last week, rescheduled due to technical difficulties, and schedule continues as shown below.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon
30 minutes long
RSVP to receive the Zoom link at http://tinyurl.com/DEC-prepare
Request accommodations at info@DisabilityEmpowerment.org

Feb 3 = What to prepare for in Seattle
Feb 5 = Evacuating vs. sheltering in place
Feb 10 = Utilities and preparing for power outages
Feb 12 = Communication and making a plan

Household Disaster Prep - Haller Lake
2026-01-31 15:00 - 16:30 | Haller Lake Community Club, 12579 Densmore Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States
Neighbors gather to learn how to prepare their own households for the hazards we face in Seattle – and also learn how neighbors can work together after a disaster to support one another until outside help can arrive. You’ll walk away with great handouts and feeling much more prepared.

Saturday, Jan 31
3pm to 4:30pm
Haller Lake Community Club (12579 Densmore Ave N, 98133

Space is limited, so please sign up at https://signup.com/go/bvDUejk
ALL are welcome!
Potluck to follow if you’re interested!
Sponsored by the Haller Lake Emergency Hub and Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management.
Questions? Contact us at HallerLakeHub@gmail.com

Hub Captains Meeting
2026-01-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Meeting, WA
We gather to share information about citywide activities, what the Network is doing, and what each Hub is doing.
Every other 4th Thursday – Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept
Zoom link will come out in the agenda.
If you are unable to attend, meetings are recorded. However, consider sending a representative from your Hub.

Hub 101 - North Seattle College - Jan 21
2026-01-21 18:30 - 20:00 | North Seattle College – College Center bldg, 9600 College Way N, Seattle, WA 98103, Seattle, WA, 98103, United States
Learn how an “Emergency Hub” works so you can quickly jump in and support your neighbors post-disaster. We’ll practice the basic roles and run thru “scripts” (situations we think our neighbors will come to the Hub with). It’s great fun and interactive. You’ll quickly grasp how everything works together and feel much more prepared to support your household – and your neighbors!

Wednesday, January 21
6:30pm
North Seattle College, 9600 College Way North

College Center, Room 1161

ALL are welcome!
If you’re coming as a Hub group, we’ll set you at the same table to help you strengthen bonds.
Please SignUp HERE… https://signup.com/go/DFKNRhQ
Many thanks to the brand-new Licton Springs Hub for hosting!!

First Hill Hub "What is a Hub"
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Meeting, WA
Please join us to learn about the new First Hill Hub and how we are organizing. We will start with a short presentation, followed by Q & A and more information from the First Hill Hub volunteers.
Register at this link and the virtual meeting information will be sent to you.

Hub 101 - Green Lake Library
2026-01-11 13:00 - 14:30 | Green Lake Branch Library, 7364 E. Green Lake Drive North, Seattle, WA, 98115, United States
Learn how an “Emergency Hub” works so you can quickly jump in and support your neighbors post-disaster. We’ll practice the basic roles and run thru “scripts” (situations we think our neighbors will come to the Hub with). It’s great fun and interactive. You’ll quickly grasp how everything works together and feel much more prepared to support your household – and your neighbors!

Sunday, January 11
1pm to 2:30pm
Green Lake Library (7364 E. Green Lake Drive North, 98115)

ALL are welcome!
If you’re coming as a Hub group, we’ll set you at the same table to help you strengthen bonds.
Please SignUp HERE… https://signup.com/go/DFKNRhQ
Many thanks to the emerging Wallingford Hub for hosting!!

Hub "Open House" - Haller Lake
2025-12-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Haller Lake Community Club, 12579 Densmore Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States
During the Haller Lake’s “Holiday Bazaar“, Hub volunteers will set up the Hub under (probably) inclement weather conditions.

Sunday, Dec 7
Time: 10am-3pm
Haller Lake Community Club (12579 Densmore Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133)

Register to play a role in the event HERE
FREE!!!
Snacks! Of course there will be snacks!
Parking on Ashworth Ave N, just south of N. 128th St.
Bring warm, weather-resistant clothing, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a camp chair. (Please put your name on the chair.)
