Frequently Asked Questions

We are not a rescue agency. We do not replace 911, Fire, EMS, or Search and Rescue. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

Yes. We need practical help: logistics, setup/tear-down, supply sorting, communications support, mapping/report review, outreach, and admin work.

You can email us at: support@kbt-esf.org - OR - Call us at (360) 937-4921 Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Pacific Time.

During disasters, we are available 24/7. For general questions, you can reach us by email or phone Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Pacific Time. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911.

No. We do not replace 911, fire, EMS, or law enforcement. We operate in support of the community, not as a primary response agency.

No. Our response depends on safety, volunteer availability, access, and scope. Some events may only receive informational or resource support.

Entering floodwater or unstable environments can be extremely dangerous, even for trained responders. Strong currents, hidden debris, contamination, electrical hazards, and unstable footing can quickly turn one emergency into multiple casualties. Responders may pause to assess conditions, establish scene safety, or wait for appropriate resources to avoid making the situation worse. This approach prioritizes overall life safety, including the safety of those attempting to help. KB Tenacious Emergency Support Foundation (KBT-ESF) is not an emergency response agency and does not replace or supersede official responders. Our operational stance during incidents is to observe, document, report, and provide support until properly equipped and authorized responders arrive. This includes hazard identification, information relay, welfare checks, and community support services. KBT-ESF prioritizes responder safety, coordination with official agencies, and avoiding actions that could create additional risk. When specialized skills, equipment, or authority are required, we defer to and support official responders and professional services.

KBT-ESF is a community nonprofit. When floods, storms, outages, or other emergencies hit, there is no charge for: – Initial intake calls – Disaster reconnaissance and welfare checks (as capacity allows) – Basic missing-persons support – Basic documentation help – Free disaster-related notary services – Basic supply distribution All of this is paid for by donations from community members.

Our home base is in Toledo, Lewis County, Washington. We serve communities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho as resources allow. Whether we can respond in an area depends on having trained volunteers there. The more volunteers we have in a community, the more we can help. For a major disaster, we may also travel to where help is needed when it is safe and resources allow. Want to help us reach your community? Sign up to volunteer on our Join Us page. Apply to Volunteer

No. KBT-ESF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are not affiliated with any government agency and do not replace official emergency services.

Our core disaster support services are free. That includes welfare checks, disaster reconnaissance, basic documentation help, disaster-related notary, and supply distribution, all funded by community donations. We also offer some paid services, such as our Every Neighbor CPR and First Aid classes and paid notary services. Money from paid services supports our free work, including free monthly community CPR classes for neighbors who can't afford one. See the Every Neighbor CPR page for class prices.

No. KBT-ESF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our CPR classes are Red Cross certified, but we are not part of the American Red Cross, FEMA, or any government agency.

Yes, as resources allow. We serve communities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Our home base is in Lewis County, WA. Whether we can respond in an area depends on having trained volunteers there. If you live in Oregon or Idaho and want to help, please sign up to volunteer on our Join Us page. Apply to Volunteer