Happy Friday, WSEMA fam!
I realized this week that my playlist on shuffle is risky and bold, especially when someone is in the vehicle with me. I mean, you never know what is coming. One minute I’ve got classic Fleetwood Mac, onto country heartbreak and backroads, next it’s a K-Pop banger, then Cardi B, followed by Alanis Morissette reminding me I live and learn. You never really know what’s coming?!
Different moods and the suspense of what’s next…somehow, oddly enough, it works. Kind of feels like a perfect descriptor or metaphor for the week I’ve had!
Let’s do this.
Association News
- WSEMA Executive Board Retreat: The WSEMA Executive Board stepped away from day-to-day operations to focus on strengthening how the association works and how we support our members statewide. It was a productive day of candid conversations, strategic alignment, and dedicated leadership in action.
The retreat was held at the Muckleshoot Casino event space, which also gave us the opportunity to walk through the layout and get familiar with the room where September’s conference will take place.
- Legislative Watch: SEVEN more days left in session! That made me start singing “It’s the final countdown…” Hope you sang it in your head too.
These are the bills that look like they may make it out of session:
· SHB 2089 (Supporting wildfire mitigation):
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?year=2025&BillNumber=2089
· HB 2203 (Creating the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations): Placed on second reading in Rules.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2203&Year=2025
· SB 6046 (Civil Air Patrol): Headed to the Governor’s desk
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=6046&Chamber=Senate&Year=2025
Emergency Management in Washington
- Nisqually Earthquake 25th Anniversary: Washington marked the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake on Feb. 28. This anniversary prompted reminders about preparedness and hazard awareness across the state. I also enjoyed seeing so many people share stories about where they were that day and reflect on their experiences.
- WA State Healthcare Situational Awareness Brief: The number of hospitalized patients with influenza continues to decline. COVID+ inpatient numbers have fluctuated but are steady, showing a very small increase on the west side and CEW with a small decrease. RSV+ inpatients have been slightly elevated for almost two months. Adult and pediatric ED visits both increased from last week’s report.
- FIFA World Cup Safety & Security Planning Updates: Washington State EMD’s bulletin on FIFA World Cup 26 Planning.
National EM Updates and Misc.
- Partial Government Shutdown Affecting DHS: The partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security has now entered its fourth week, with Congress unable to agree on a funding package that includes DHS appropriations. Senate efforts to advance a DHS funding bill failed again, extending the shutdown and leaving critical agencies unfunded.
- Airline and Travel Groups Warn of Risks to Air Traffic as Partial Shutdown Persists: Travel and security stakeholders are warning that the shutdown is straining key national systems, particularly air travel. Airline and travel groups cautioned that staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) could lead to delays and operational risks amid the spring break travel surge, with about 50,000 TSA workers currently working without pay.
- Leadership Shakeup at DHS: In a dramatic development this week, President Donald Trump removed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, tapping Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as his nominee to lead the department.
- Wiki Page for 2001 Nisqually Earthquake: Wikipedia page on the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake.
Training and Resources
- ICS Courses: Due to the ongoing federal funding of DHS issues, FEMA’s Independent Study Program (ISP) and other ICS courses are currently unavailable. This includes online modules such as IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800.
- WA State Training: There are still trainings and courses happening across the state. To view and register for training, visit the Washington State EMD Training Calendar.
Closing Note
Heading into the weekend, may your playlist be bangin! Hope it is full of good vibes, good people, and zero skips. Appreciate you and I appreciate all you do.
Now go play that funky music. 😊
Kyle
Kyle Bustad
WSEMA President