DEFINITIONS & SPECIAL NEED CONSIDERATIONS

GENERAL DEFINITIONS EMERGENCY ALERT Imminent or potential threats to life and/or property. Emergencies may include but are not limited to severe weather, floods, wildfires, natural gas leaks, and police activity that require you to evacuate or to take shelter. Missing Person/ Amber Alert This notice will be sent at the request of local law enforcement with the hope citizens may help locate a missing person. COMMUNITY ALERT Non-emergency alerts or information bulletins. You can subscribe to an alert by clicking in the box next to the alert name on the opt-in page. You can unsubscribe at any time. Severe Weather Warnings The National Weather Service issues warnings for heavy snow, freezing rain, high winds, flash flooding, river flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes. If the warning is an immediate threat to life or property, the Community Alert system would NOT be used and instead an Emergency Alert would be sent. Utility Notifications There may be times when you need to be notified about specific issues related to power, water, sewer, gas, or pipelines. This would not be an emergency situation, but information only. Major Road Closures Any closure of a major arterial road for 2+ hours. Public Safety Alert Any situation posing a hazard to Pierce County citizens that is not an immediate threat to life or property such as: criminal activity or a public health notice. Special Event Information Local community event information that may impact your home or business (example: parade route information, National Night Out activities, airshow, etc.)

SPECIAL NEED CONSIDERATIONS Special Needs Specific concerns for yourself or other members of your household that you need to consider. Please be sure you have a plan in place to address your concerns. If you need assistance developing a plan, refer to Pierce County's Preparedness page. Hearing Impairment If you have a hearing impairment, you need to plan on a variety of ways to receive warnings and alerts. They will be sent by phone, text, TTD/TTY, and SMS. By signing up for the opt-in feature, you can easily identify a number of devices by which to receive information. Mobility Challenged During an emergency, you may need to shelter-in-place or evacuate. If you are mobility challenged, plan now for what you may need in an emergency. Remember you may need to evacuate without the assistance of transportation. In other situations, you may need to be in lines for water and/or food. Work with friends, family, and neighbors to develop a plan to assist you or select some assistive devices to have with you. Sign up for the opt-in feature so you can receive early notifications about events you may need to act on. Mentally Challenged An emergency can be especially stressful to those with mental challenges. Develop a plan now with family, friends, and neighbors to stay alongside those needing supervision. Carry identification on your person providing contact information, explaining any limitations, and listing medications. Limited English Proficiency If English is not the primary language spoken at home, consider other ways to receive warnings and alerts through the media. Notifications may be sent only in English. Partner with a local church or listen to radio stations in your primary language for additional information. Sign up for the opt-in feature so you can receive early notifications about events you may need to act on. Visually Impaired Those with visual impairments will need to consider alternative methods to receive warnings and alerts. Sign up for the opt-in feature so you can receive early alerts by landline and cell phone about events you may need to act on. Medical Special Needs If you require special medical needs with equipment or caregivers, you need to develop a plan for getting those needs met during an emergency. By signing up for the opt-in feature, you can easily identify a number of devices by which to receive information about evolving incidents early enough to take action. Before then, consider having alternate ways to continue receiving the care you may need.