What is PEAT?
PEAT stands for Pre-Entry Assessment Team. PEAT is a first response emergency team that
consists of 11 trained members of the University of Washington’s (UW) Environmental Health
and Safety Department (EH&S). Following a disaster, the team’s primary function is to monitor
for chemical releases in UW chemical containing buildings before search and rescue team entry.
Why PEAT?
The 2001 Nisqually earthquake prompted the need for better preparation for disasters
at the UW. Many of the chemical containing laboratories on campus suffered damages
with chemical releases and immediate response was not available.
That’s when the University of Washington granted the funds to the Environmental Health
and Safety Department to establish better measures of response for similar future
incidents; therefore, in 2003 PEAT was founded.
How does PEAT prepare?
The team’s ability to respond effectively strongly depends on how well the team
prepares. Hence, each quarter PEAT conducts a full size drill to practice emergency
response operations.
For more information about UW Emergency Preparedness visit:
UW Emergency Management
Click on the links below to view the most recent drills.
