The King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Partnership invites all King County residents to participate in public meetings being held Sept. 24-26, where the results of County’s most recent disaster analysis will be displayed and discussed.

The meeting on Thursday will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the EvergreenHealth Auditorium at 12040 NE 128th St. in Kirkland.

Whether residents live in an urban or rural area of King County, officials urge everyone to prepare before disaster strikes. The region is subject to flooding, earthquakes, severe storms, and other natural disasters. Although certain residents may not have experienced these firsthand, knowing how to prepare for these events by recognizing risks and identifying potential hazards through hazard mitigation is critical.

The other meetings this week are 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday at Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave. N. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Kent Senior Activity Center 600 E. Smith St. in Kent.

The same information will be presented at each meeting, so residents need only attend one. The meetings will open with a brief presentation on the results and progress of the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is being updated in line with King County’s commitment to creating communities that are more resilient to disasters. After the presentation, there will be an open house with computer model simulation and hazard maps to show countywide disaster vulnerabilities.

Partnership members and staff will be available to answer questions. A computer model will be available to demonstrate estimated damages if an earthquake or flood were to affect the community. Based on the results, experts will be available to discuss mitigation options that could limit future damage to your residence or property. Personal preparedness information will also be available to take home.