FEMA Honors Achievement in Community Preparedness to the
Community of the Ocosta School District
Release date: September 3, 2014
Release Number: HQ-2014-70
2014 Individual and Community Preparedness Award Winners Announced
WASHINGTON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the winners of the 2014 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards, recognizing the outstanding efforts of individuals, programs and organizations throughout the country working to prepare their communities for emergencies.
“Strong emergency management requires teamwork, community engagement, innovation and strong relationships at all levels before disasters occur,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “This year, we recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify this approach, and I congratulate them on their dedication to make our nation stronger and safer.”
This year’s honorees developed and implemented innovative tools, programs and resources, which provided opportunities for a wide variety of stakeholders to make their communities better prepared and more resilient.
The community of the Ocosta School District was recognized with an Honorable Mention in the Community Preparedness Heroes category – “In recognition of your service to the whole community, the Federal Emergency Management Agency hereby awards you an honorable mention in the 2014 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards.”
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The community of the Ocosta School District, encompassing the entire South Beach area of Grays Harbor County and Pacific County, should be proud of their vision and accomplishment to build the first Tsunami Engineered Safe Haven Building in North America, the Ocosta Elementary School. This historic achievement is a testament to every community member. The new elementary school will stand as a beacon for all communities, large and small, showing what determination, perseverance, compassion and pure grit can accomplish. This could never have been realized without the overwhelming support, effort and foresight of every community member. Congratulations to each and every one of you!
Chuck Wallace
Charles T Wallace, Deputy Director
Grays Harbor County Emergency Management
310 W. Spruce Street
Montesano, WA 98563
(360) 249-3911 x 1575
cwallace@co.grays-harbor.wa.us