Safety standards would be set under emergency kit bill

Rep. Goodman bill wants state to lead on standards, safety rules

January 28, 2008

OLYMPIA – Recent natural disasters have spurred many to become better prepared, including stocking their homes and cars with emergency kits.  As the state and local governments ask people to be prepared, Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) wants to ensure the safety and reliability of emergency kits that are obtained and distributed by government agencies.

Goodman’s bill, HB 2550, unanimously passed the House today.

“It only makes sense to have standards on the kits we will count on to keep us safe during emergencies,” Goodman said.  “I hope the new standards will better inform consumers on what to look for in their emergency preparedness kits.”

“We rely on government agencies to respond to disasters, so it’s natural to ask them to think about what standards should be set for the kits they’re using,” Goodman said.  “If we can’t have emergency kits that are consistently safe and reliable, then we’re doing a disservice to the public.”

The legislation, House Bill 2550, would at a minimum require:

• how expiration dates are to be displayed on each kit representing the shelf life of each kit and the kit's contents;
• how each kit, pouch, or container containing the basic essentials are in compliance with the standards established by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency;
• how each kit procured meets or exceeds any federal regulations or procurement standards governing emergency preparedness kits purchased at the federal level; and
• what state agency should have oversight responsibility for selecting the vendor from whom a state or local agency may acquire emergency preparedness kits and ensuring that those kits meet established state safety standards.

The 45th District, which Goodman represents, includes areas often hard hit by natural disasters, like Duvall, Carnation, and Woodinville, among others.  Goodman also has legislation to keep gas stations open during power outages, House Bill 2053.

“Our experience in this region tells me we can’t prepare enough,” Goodman said.  “There is so much more we could be doing and I believe our communities expect us to act now, before the next big disaster.”