Emergency Officials Review Preparedness Projects, Tsunami Planning and Great ShakeOut
Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 6, 2026
Regional emergency preparedness efforts, grant opportunities and upcoming training exercises were among the topics discussed during the West Coast Operational Area meeting held Thursday, July 30, at the Congregational Church in Forks.
The meeting, led by Emergency Management Program Coordinator Justine Chorley, brought together representatives from local and county emergency management agencies, emergency responders, Forks Community Hospital and amateur radio operators to discuss ongoing projects and regional preparedness.
Joe Wright reported crews recently completed Hoh River Bridge inspections, aerial drone surveys and measurements requiring intermittent traffic closures. Jersey barriers have been relocated and traffic has been reduced to a single lane controlled by temporary signals while work continues.
Also discussed were revisions to the region’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (SEMP). Because of the size of the document, officials plan to divide the update into smaller sections for review beginning in September, with the understanding the plan will likely not be completed before the end of the year.
An update on the Joint Public Safety Facility (Clallam County, WA) project indicated only one permit remains before construction can move forward. Installation of debris-filter fencing is expected soon, with a ceremonial groundbreaking planned for early August and the facility projected to open in 2027.
Meeting attendees also discussed attendance at future operational-area meetings, exploring ways to increase participation by local governments and partner agencies. Organizers noted they are working to re-establish participation from Clallam PUD representatives and reviewed planning for a community-wide active shooter exercise scheduled for Aug. 27.
Don Grafstrom updated the group on the Feeding 5000 program and recent kitchen improvements at the Forks Community Center. He proposed additional upgrades, including a commercial dishwasher and backup generator, to allow the facility to serve as an emergency shelter, resiliency hub or warming and cooling center during disasters.
The group also learned about the state’s Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program, which provides free assistance with grant research, applications and compliance. Officials encouraged agencies to take advantage of the program before its current funding expires in June 2027.
Emergency planners reviewed new tsunami modeling based on a worst-case Alaska earthquake scenario. Preliminary results indicate most of Clallam County would experience marine impacts, with waves averaging about seven feet. Communities such as La Push could see higher wave heights. The public release of the tsunami modeling is scheduled for Aug. 5.
Several upcoming preparedness events were announced, including the Clallam County Fair Aug. 20-23, where emergency management staff will host educational displays, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) conference Aug. 29 at Peninsula College, which will focus on wildfire and smoke preparedness.
Officials also encouraged residents to register for the Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill, scheduled for Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. During the statewide exercise, tsunami sirens will sound using the traditional wailing tone as part of public education efforts.
Updates were also provided on emergency communications. Radio volunteers reported successful installation and testing of new antennas and radio equipment at Forks City Hall. Chip Keen updated on the emergency communications conex unit at the Quillayure Airport. Additional work, including installation of a backup generator, remains underway.
The next West Coast Operational Area meeting will be held Sept. 24. Organizers traditionally do not meet in August because of wildfire season and firefighter scheduling conflicts.
