Agencies learned value of cooperation

PATRICK CONDON, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Thursday, February 28, 2002

OLYMPIA -- Five minutes after the ground stopped shaking last Feb. 28, the state's emergency operations center at Camp Murray was up and running, coordinating the efforts of federal, state and local officials.

"I have to say that I feel like we couldn't have been better prepared," said Ken Parrish, manager of the emergency operations center. "Without a doubt, the response to the Nisqually Earthquake was probably the best response to a major event that I've seen in the decade I've been here."

Exercises and drills resulted in a sharp, prepared staff, Parrish said. A specially equipped building prevented earthquake damage at the operations center, which is located not far from the epicenter of the quake.

"We hit our stride very quickly," Parrish said.

State officials credit that quick reaction with the equally rapid federal government response: President Bush declared the region a disaster area within 24 hours of the quake. Parrish said the operations center was able to immediately establish contact with local governments throughout Western Washington and quickly compile a tentative list of damage that established the need for the presidential declaration.

Communication with the state coordinating team was also of vital importance to the local governments that knew they would have to rely on federal help, said Kathy Estes, coordinator of Thurston County Emergency Management.

"We really learned how important it is to work with other jurisdictions," Estes said.

Patrick Condon covers state government for The Olympian.

On the Web:

The Olympian Copyright 2002

back to Earthquake index