Emergency Preparedness (Block Captain) Initiative

Prepare, support, and stay connected when it matters most.

SWONA is building a neighborhood-based emergency response network to help us prepare for natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies. Our goal is to ensure that everyone—especially the most vulnerable—has a plan, a point of contact, and a support system when it's needed most.

Opportunities to get involved include:

  • Initiative Leadership: Help lead coordination, logistics, outreach, and decision-making for the neighborhood-wide effort. Members of the Emergency Preparedness Committee are required to join the SWONA Block Captain WhatsApp group to stay connected.

  • Block Captain: Serve as a point of contact for your block and assist with disaster planning and emergency communication. Block captains are required to join both the SWONA Block Captain WhatsApp group and the Block Captain Signal group and participate in GMRS radio check-ins. A limited number of radios—funded through the Thurston Community Sustaining Fund Grant—will be provided, but owning or purchasing your own is encouraged.

  • Back-up Block Captain: Support an existing block captain in your area as a secondary point of contact. Back-ups are also expected to join the SWONA WhatsApp and Signal Block Captain group chats. Back-ups are also required to join both the SWONA Block Captain WhatsApp group and the Block Captain Signal group. Participation in GMRS radio communication is optional but encouraged—especially if you already own or are willing to purchase your own GMRS radio. SWONA-provided radios are reserved for primary block captains.

  • Block Support Team: Check on neighbors during/after emergencies; assist those with medical or mobility needs; help with logistics like supply distribution

  • Skills: Provide first aid or medical assistance, or sign up for emergency preparedness training

  • Offer Resources: Share supplies or equipment (generators, GMRS radios, tools, etc.)

Whether you're trained in emergency response, have useful resources like a generator, first aid supplies, extra food or water, walkie-talkies, or just want to be a reliable presence on your block—there’s a role for you in this effort. No special experience is required—just a commitment to showing up for one another and building trust in our community.

Ready to Get Involved?

Fill out our interest form at this link to join the SWONA Emergency Response Effort.

 

Please Note:
You must complete the interest form BEFORE you can be approved to join the Block Captain WhatsApp or Block Captain Signal group chats. Access will be denied if the form is not submitted.

 

Emergency Response Effort

Prepare, support, and stay connected when it matters most.

SWONA’s Emergency Response Effort helps neighbors prepare for natural disasters and emergencies. We're building a network of local support that includes:

  • Block or section points of contact

  • Neighbor check-in volunteers

  • Support for medical or mobility needs

  • Help coordinating communications and shared resources

Whether you’re trained in emergency response or simply want to look out for your neighbors, your participation is welcome and appreciated.

Sign Up for the Emergency Response Effort