The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management announced June 13 it is partnering with six other counties to highlight the growing “Ready, Set Go!” evacuation alert system in Puget Sound.

The increased threat of wildfires could make the 2024 season particularly dangerous as reports from the National Interagency Fire Center have predicted above-normal potential for fires from July to September. Call volumes continue to increase for several departments, including South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, which reported its calls have already increased 14% and are on pace to reach 15,000 by year’s end.

Recognizing the need to communicate quickly with nearby residents and businesses in the event of a wildfire or other disaster, county officials hope a unified response will help make the process easier. “Emergencies can arise unexpectedly anywhere and at any time,” Kitsap’s emergency management director Jan Glarum said. “Being poised to respond when the situation demands is an absolute necessity. Knowing that residents will be able to understand and respond to evacuation alerts is a critical step in our readiness to respond.”

Residents of Kitsap, King, Pierce, Skagit, Thurston, Snohomish and Whatcom counties are encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts, including the “Ready, Set, Go!” system that will issue alerts in three levels of evacuation.

A “ready” or Level 1 message will alert people of a potential threat in the area and ask them to prepare should the event warrant evacuating. A “set” or Level 2 message could follow to alert people that a short-notice evacuation is likely to occur, but there is always the possibility time does not allow for such an alert. A “go” alert or Level 3 message would instruct all recipients to evacuate immediately.

Residents can also play an instrumental role simply by remaining aware of the world around them. “By preparing their homes, accessing informational materials, and staying informed about local emergency updates, individuals can play a vital role in enhancing the safety and preparedness of their communities,” a county news release reads.

Kitsap residents can sign up in the KitsapALERT system at kcowa.us/alert.