Spokane County is gearing up to become a critical disaster resources hub in the event of a mega earthquake and tsunami affecting the West Side of Washington. Chandra Fox, deputy director of Spokane County Emergency Management, has indicated that the county is designated for reconstituting state government and managing emergency operations. Local officials are actively coordinating with state and federal agencies to address logistics for resource distribution and evacuations. Fairchild Air Force Base will be a central hub for incoming supplies, with the Washington Air National Guard's 141st Air Refueling Wing providing essential support for search and rescue operations. Fox noted ongoing communication with FEMA and other agencies to assess capacity for managing a large influx of evacuees.

The urgency of preparation is underscored by the belief that it's not a matter of 'if,' but 'when' such a disaster might occur. To facilitate this, workshops in February will help elected officials prepare for decision-making during the crisis, with strategies focusing on maintaining viable transportation routes and supply chains for essential commodities.