WHEREAS, On December 26, 2004, one of the most devastating natural
disasters in recent history hit Southeast Asia; and
WHEREAS, An earthquake, 9.0 in magnitude, centered underwater off
the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, triggered a tsunami that
devastated the coastal areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand,
Malaysia, and the Maldives; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 200,000 people lost their lives; and
WHEREAS, Washington State, specifically the Puget Sound Region, is
projected to have a large earthquake in the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, Disaster awareness and preparedness are important ways for
local communities to address this threat; and
WHEREAS, Puget Sound islands could be cut off as a result of a loss
of ferry, utilities, and phone services; and
WHEREAS, Mainland agencies and emergency services would be consumed
with their own emergency needs; and
WHEREAS, Puget Sound island residents would need enough food, clean
water, medicine, and other critical supplies to survive for three to
five days; and
WHEREAS, Vashon Island's "unofficial Mayor," Melinda Sontegrath,
and the Vashon Disaster Preparedness Coalition, a community-wide
umbrella organization, are interested in drawing the attention of
homeowners and businesses in taking upon themselves disaster awareness
and preparedness; and
WHEREAS, Over one hundred fifty dedicated volunteers have already
joined this effort; and
WHEREAS, Raising awareness about disaster preparedness can save
lives and property and prevent human suffering; and
WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature values and encourages
outstanding public contributions in all fields of endeavor;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of
Representatives honor the Vashon Disaster Preparedness Coalition for
its foresight, dedication, and contributions to public safety; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk to Melinda Sontegrath and
the Vashon Disaster Preparedness Coalition.