The state's Emergency Management Division, (EMD), which is located on Camp Murray, is built to withstand earthquakes and other physical threats. The futuristic structure was built using the Friction Pendulum Seismic Isolation system, most notably used for the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco, and allows the EMD building to sway slightly but remain upright and intact.

The staff, which numbers 72 throughout the year, increases to upward of 110 when faced with a major emergency. The government branch, which moved onto Camp Murray in 1998, enjoys a close connection with the National Guard and all branches of the armed forces. About 40 to 50 percent of the EMD staff is former military; three current employees are active reservists, and another is serving in Iraq.

"Those with prior service fit in well. They are experienced with high-intensity operations," said Robert Harper, EMD public information officer. "They know what needs to be done and don't hesitate to do whatever is asked."

The EMD acts as a control center for the entire state and keeps Gov. Gregoire and the cabinet informed of any problems with constant updates. Problems can range from HAZMAT issues - which make up the largest number of incidents - to search and rescue operations, wildfires or any large-scale weather incident.

"We are not responders necessarily," said Harper. "We don't have our own fire trucks nor do we physically go to the site of a crisis. Instead we make sure that the proper state agencies and responders are notified and dispatched."

The large operations room, which looks like a cinematic representation of NASA, holds 58 works stations and more multimedia than one can fathom. It is typically activated 10 to 12 times per year, during a disaster such as the Chehalis River flash flood during which 400 rescues were performed. On average the state also will record one federal disaster a year, 2009's ice and snow storms for example, which requires EMD to request help from FEMA.

In the end, however, the goal is always to be proactive rather than reactive. With Washington's proximity to the Pacific Rim that involves keeping a watch on tsunami threats and ensuring that the public is aware of proper evacuation and safety procedures.

"We try to alert everyone of not only what can happen but what to do if and when it does," said Harper. EMD has even developed a great working relationship with the Native American tribes along the coastline in order to heighten tsunami awareness.

According to State Emergency Operation Officer Alan Steele, the biggest catastrophe currently facing the EMD involves Mount Rainier and the impending landslide, called a lahar. The lahar is threatening to flow down and potentially devastate numerous river basin towns, including Orting, Fife and Sumner. The lahar would set off alarms inside the EMD and trigger immediate notifications, including a pre-recorded message on the Emergency Broadcast System.

"Our priority and primary function is to be able to communicate no matter what," said Steele. Whether that means short-wave radio transmissions or interrupting television shows, the EMD exists to make sure the state stays safe.