On March 23, 2026, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, our community, along with Puyallup and Orting, will participate in a critical lahar evacuation exercise. This drill, the largest of its kind in the country, has local schools simulate their evacuation process in the event of a lahar from Mt. Rainier, ensuring the safety and preparedness of our students and the entire community.”
What to Expect in Sumner:
- Traffic Impact: Expect road closures and delays, especially on Valley Avenue, Main Street, and 160th Street, as Sumner schools participate in the drill. Sumner Police and Public Works will manage a rolling shutdown of roads to facilitate the safe passage of students. We aim to reopen roads swiftly once students are clear, prioritizing safety at all times.
- Driving Advice: Residents and visitors driving through downtown Sumner during the exercise are advised to plan for extra travel time. Your patience and caution will contribute significantly to the exercise’s success and our students’ safety.
Why This Matters: Lahars pose a real threat to our community, capable of flowing many miles downstream from Mt. Rainier, burying everything in their path. This exercise is not just about practicing evacuation routes; it’s a community-wide reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
How You Can Prepare:
- Make a Plan: Know your nearest evacuation route and have a family emergency plan in place.
- Emergency Kit: Ensure you have an emergency kit ready, including essentials like water, food, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
Participation: This exercise is for students and faculty only, emphasizing the importance of security and safety. However, it serves as an excellent opportunity for all community members to review and update their lahar preparation plans.
Your understanding and cooperation are invaluable as we work together to ensure the safety and preparedness of our community. Thank you for your support.
For more information on lahar preparedness and to view the regional lahar evacuation routes, please visit https://laharexercise.com/
