Neighborhood Preparedness - Map Your Neighborhood

Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) is a program offered by the City of Mercer Island to help Mercer Island neighborhoods prepare together for disasters.

Post-disaster studies have shown that individuals and communities with strong neighborly ties have higher survival rates and faster recoveries. To facilitate neighborhood preparedness, the City is pleased to offer this free program. MYN is available to Island residents and businesses. It helps organize neighborhoods by giving the community a chance to get to know each other, provides presentations on steps to take after disasters strike, and more.

How Does MYN Work?

Neighbors, usually about 15 to 25 households in your area, get together for a neighborhood party where you:

• Get to know your neighbors!
• Learn the nine steps to follow immediately following a disaster.
• Identify the skills and equipment each neighbor has that could be useful in a disaster response.
• Identify the locations of each natural gas meter and propane tank, as well as households that may need extra help.
• Pick locations for a neighborhood gathering site and neighborhood care center.

I'd Like to Host. What’s Next?

It’s easy! The Mercer Island MYN program provides free trainers who can come to your neighborhood party and facilitate the 90-minute training.

As your neighborhood’s “organizer,” we ask that you plan the party, invite your neighbors, and spread the word about preparing for a disaster. Here's more information about hosting. 

Browse through our step-by-step guide, as well as tips to help increase your neighborhood’s participation. We've even taken the liberty of drafting an invitation letter and flyer for you to distribute to your neighbors. 

There's Much More

City staff and resources may be quickly overwhelmed after a catastrophe.  The City has established a corps of trained volunteers to aid in disaster response until outside help can arrive.  Our Community Emergency Response Training (C.E.R.T.) provides extensive information that will also assist a resident at home.  The free course is open to all. Click here to learn more. 

Questions?

Contact 206-275-7905 or emergencymanagement@mercerisland.gov