Skagit County DEM/EOC

Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) provides the emergency organization and coordination of resources to minimize loss of life and to protect property and the environment in the event of natural, human-caused, or technological emergencies or disasters affecting Skagit County.

The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) provides emergency management services to Anacortes, Burlington, Concrete, Hamilton, La Conner, Lyman, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and the unincorporated areas of Skagit County.

Skagit DEM collaborates with other county departments as well as registered Emergency Worker Volunteers in times of disaster preparation and Emergency Operation Center (EOC) activation. We rely on support, collaboration and assistance at all levels to be able to adequately meet the needs of any given incident. 

As a DEM volunteer, you can assist in a variety of roles. Some are field-based and some will be located inside of the EOC. These positions and opportunities tend to be seasonal and are activated on an as-needed basis. This is a great opportunity for individuals to gain experience in the Emergency Management field without having to commit to a year-round responsibility.

Examples of opportunities to expect include:

• Community outreach tabling events: interact with the public and teach about local hazards and disaster preparation.
• EOC Positions: depending on the size and duration of an event, additional personnel will be needed to fill various Incident Command System roles or provide shift relief for those who need a break.
• Volunteer Reception Center:
• Emergency Shelter Operations:
• Flood Preparation and Response
  • Field Observers:
  • Resource Coordinators:
  • "Knock and Talks": Go door-to-door in residential areas that are at-risk of imminent flooding and tell residents what to do if evacuation becomes necessary.
  • Sandbagging Coordinators: provide directions and organization for spontaneous volunteers at sandbagging events