A seminar addressing best practices for vulnerable populations during a disaster is planned for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 14 at the Fort Worden Commons, 200 Battery Way in Port Townsend.

The seminar is to be hosted by the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management and feature four experts in related disciplines.

First responders, healthcare agencies, longterm care and group home facilities, emergency management and public safety agencies are encouraged to attend.

Interested community members are also welcome. The presentation is free, pre-registration is required in advance of the event. Contact Deb Reithmeyer at Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management at 360-344-9728 or

dreithmeyer@co.jefferson.wa.us. Provide your phone number, email contact information and any needed accommodation requests.

At the seminar, Stephanie Brady from Joplin, Missouri is to discuss assisting persons with access and functional needs in all stages of a disaster, disaster lessons learned and understanding and planning for unmet needs post disaster.

Covering the legalities of emergency preparedness in longterm care and residential facilities is Jane Meyer, Jefferson and Clallam County ombudsman at the Area Agency on Aging.

Jaci Hoyle, supervisor for Jefferson and Clallam counties Medicaid in-home case management, is to be providing her expertise on the realities and requirements of paid in-home providers.

Alexandrea Hatcher from the Washington State Independent Living Council is to discuss inclusive emergency planning and disability integration.