Islanders can learn about local landslide risk and preparing for landslides at a special Vashon Be Prepared meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at McMurray Middle School.

According to VashonBePrepared, landslide ranks in the top three natural disaster risks on Vashon, along with earthquake and severe weather.

Wednesday evening’s program will address four questions about the landslide risk: Why does the risk matter? What are the risks on Vashon? What can we each do about it at our homes? And what have our disaster preparedness organizations been doing to be ready if it happens?

Speakers at the event will include Seri Ann Shaw and her parents, who lived in Oso but were not at their cabin when thousands of tons of boulders and mud wiped out the Steelhead Haven neighborhood last year. Through the Internet and public appearances, the family has been helping people think about the effects of sudden disaster.

King County geologist Greg Wessel, PhD, will report to the community on the results of a Hazard Mapping Study funded by King County. He and a team of two other King County geologists have been conducting this study, which shows potential landslide hazards throughout the county.

Disaster prevention and recovery expert Shelby Edwards will provide basic tips on what to look for as clues for landslide risk in neighborhoods and, even though a landslide seems unstoppable, what people can do now to help keep their families safe.

Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) Assistant Chief George Brown will report on steps under way now by VIFR and its community partners to prepare for the potential of a major landslide on Vashon.

The meeting will also include a report on VashonBePrepared’s accomplishments for the last year and the announcement of next year’s board and officers.