An Emergency Hub is neighbors committed to getting their community ready to withstand a large disaster. Their mission: Choose a natural gathering spot (outdoors) in the neighborhood and practice responding to the many requests for assistance and support that we expect to see post-disaster.
The Emergency Hub Network consists of ~79 Hubs throughout Seattle who have developed a system to help neighbors manage the chaos after a disaster. A process exists for: gathering and posting information to all neighbors, matching needs and resources immediately available within the community, and educating neighbors on post-disaster skills.
To support the process, the Network…
Has a list of (low tech) gear we recommend so neighbors are able to organize quickly post-disaster
Will provide training so groups learn how a Hub works (Hub 101 and beyond)
Each Hub recruits its own group of neighbors willing to get trained and help after a disaster. If the group wishes, there are also many tools to encourage neighbors to increase their individual household preparedness.
The Hub mission is accomplished SOLELY through community volunteers.
The Ross Park Hub started in 2017 with a City of Seattle grant for a storage box and equipment, which was installed in April 2018. At first it was bolted down in the basketball court, then was moved to along the fence.
After thieves emptied the box in 2022, it sat unused until 2024, when the local Scouts organization adopted it as an Eagle Scout project. They repaired and restocked the box, and organized a successful neighborhood drill that brought people together for the first time.
Now in 2025, the neighboring block watch group has joined the effort! After applying for, and receiving a grant to add a new box and replenish our supplies, getting it organized and stowed, we've added new energy to the revitalized Hub. In 2025 we had an open house to showcase our revitalized hub!
The Hub has a dedicated discussion mailing list address and a Google account to store files.
Time Commitment: ~5 hours/month on average (some months are busier…)
Attend Network meetings (fourth Thursdays – 7pm – on Zoom) and share back to the Team. The meetings alternate between administrative and educational; the educational meetings are often open to all Hub volunteers.
Schedule regular meetings of the Team to facilitate team building and check-in with other members on their progress.
Encourage the Team to do one outreach event per year to build awareness of the Hub and get neighbors trained on how the system works.
Time Commitment: 4 hours/month
Produce regular communications (newsletter, blogpost, and/or social media) to keep neighbors learning and engaged. Topics could/should include an understanding of what the Hub is (and what it is not), progress of the Team, upcoming trainings, and household preparedness tips (if you have the bandwidth), etc.
We have resources available to teach household prep; you don’t need to create this
Maintain contact list for:
Interested neighbors
Local businesses
Social media sites willing to help promote the message
Other Hubs in the NW Seattle area
Time Commitment: 30 minutes/month
Check on the Hub box monthly (graffiti, damage, insect infestation, expired contents, etc.)
Lubricate the hinges and locks, as prescribed