Thurston County Emergency Management

10/22/2026

Did you know homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover flood damage? Protect the life you’ve built with flood insurance.

It takes only minutes to get a quote.

Check your risk and buy a policy on floodsmart.gov/policy-quote.

10/21/2026

Flood Awareness Week – Make a Flood Plan

Do you live, work, or play downtown? Today is a great day to make a flood plan for this winter. Here are a few tips to get started:

Know whether your home, workplace, or regular travel routes are vulnerable to flooding.
Red areas have higher flood risk and should have a flood plan ready. Orange areas have a lower risk of flooding, but should stay informed to take action.

Before a potential flood event, move you car outside of red and orange areas.

Check your building’s flood gates/pumps and practice installing them.

Make a plan for storing or accessing sandbags before a flood event.

Build or update an emergency supply kit for both your home and in your vehicle. Include your pets in your plan!

Keep important documents and valuables in a safe location above potential flood levels.

Make a plan for where to go if you need to leave your home.

Explore flood insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

Read more at: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/news/emergency-management-advises-community-prepare-now-flood-season

Alt text: Map of flood risk areas in downtown Olympia and low-lying shorelines.

10/21/2026

We are testing our TC Alert system today.

For more information or to update your profile, please visit our website, https://www.tcalert.org.

10/20/2026

WE'RE TESTING TCALERT on October 21!

As part of Flood Awareness Week, Thurston County Emergency Management will be testing the TC Alert emergency notification system.
If you're already signed up, you may receive a test notification during the testing period.

No action is needed when you receive the test.

The test helps us make sure the system is working as intended and gives residents an opportunity to become familiar with emergency notifications.

Not signed up yet?Now is a great time!
Sign up at TCAlert.org

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

Did You Know That This Is Flood Awareness Week In Thurston County?

Flooding is one of Thurston County's most significant natural hazards.
Nearly half of Thurston County's major federal disaster declarations have involved flood impacts.

Flooding isn't just a possibility. It's something our communities have experienced—and will experience again.

Know Your Risk. Make a Plan. Be Flood Ready.

Visit our website to learn more. www.thurstoncountywa.gov/em

10/17/2026

10/15/2026

🌎 TODAY IS THE DAY! IT’S THE GREAT SHAKEOUT!

⏰ Set your alarm for 10:15 a.m. and join us for the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill!

📸 Strike a pose and show us your best DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON pose! We’d love to see photos of our Thurston County community practicing earthquake safety.

Share your photos with us in the comments!

10/14/2026

On Oct. 15, 2026, students, families, neighbors and employees will drop, cover and hold on for the Great Washington ShakeOut, part of the country’s largest earthquake drill. The event also includes siren tests and evacuation drills in some schools.

At 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15, you’re invited to drop, cover and hold on wherever you are – whether it’s at work, home or school. Practicing builds muscle memory for when the real earthquake comes. This will help you react quicker and be safer. A drill recording is available to help with the experience.

At about the same time, more than 120 Washington tsunami sirens along the inner and outer coast will be tested using the real wailing sound of a tsunami warning, not the Westminster Chimes that are typically used during the monthly tests. PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911.

There WILL be a test of the Emergency Alert System on radio and television this year.

The Wireless Emergency Alert text system on cell phones will NOT be tested.

Those who have downloaded the free MyShake Earthquake Early Warning App on their phones will get a test. Sirens related to the Columbia Generating Station will be tested in the Tri-Cities areas and some local jurisdictions will test their reverse 911 and opt-in text alerts. NOAA Weather Radios will also sound an alarm. To make sure you’re signed up for alerts, visit https://mil.wa.gov/alerts

Lahar sirens in Pierce County will not be tested.

This year’s ShakeOut theme is “Prepared Neighbors.” After a major earthquake and/or tsunami, there will be help coming in the forms of first responders and assistance coming in from all over the country. But in the immediate aftermath of a quake, individuals and neighbors in local communities will be the first ones responding. In addition to practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On this ShakeOut, everyone is encouraged to do at least one more thing to help their neighborhood become more prepared. Learn more at https://mil.wa.gov/neighborhoods

Registration isn’t required but it helps the state understand how effective its outreach is. It’s also free and easy to register at https://www.shakeout.org/washington

10/14/2026

🌎 The Great ShakeOut is coming! Are you ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On?

📅 Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 a.m.

Join millions of people around the world as we practice what to do during an earthquake!

When the shaking starts:
⬇️ DROP to your hands and knees.
🛡️ COVER your head and neck and take shelter under a sturdy table or desk, if possible.
✊ HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

🌟 A little practice today can make a big difference when it matters most!

Whether you’re at home, at work, at school, or out and about, take a few minutes to practice with your family, coworkers, or classmates.