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, adding new energy to the Hub. Looking ahead, a "Hub 101" introduction in May, and a city-wide drill will take place in June 2025.
Current challenges:
Critical mass of volunteers to sustain and launch the Hub, primarily a captain or co-captain that has sufficient time to keep the momentum going.
The box is small and needs some maintenance, or a grant to fully replace it with a bigger, better box. One that can fit 4 canopies.
The current location of the Hub is not the ideal spot because it's along the fence on a slight incline, where the blackberries overtake it seasonally and make it difficult for the lid to stay open.
The Hub has a dedicated 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: ~16 hours (total) over a 6-month span
Work with Network Leader from https://seattleemergencyhubs.org/ to write and submit a grant application
Coordinate with Team on key questions
Who purchases the gear? (whose credit card does it sit on until reimbursement comes through?)
Where does it get delivered? (who can accept large packages during the day and store it)
When/where is the “unpacking” party?
How does the labelled gear get to the Hub box?
What community-building event will the Team host to match the funds given by the City? I.e. how can make our neighbors aware, and get them involved, about the resources the hub provides and the role it will play in our neighborhood after a disaster?
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