Whether it's another windstorm or major earthquake, are residents of the peninsula community of West Seattle prepared to survive on their own when even government agencies aren't able to help?

That was one question posed at a recent disaster preparedness event held at West Seattle High School, sponsored by the Southwest Precinct Advisory Council and the Southwest and Delridge district councils.

When, not if, a natural disaster hits West Seattle, residents better be prepared to depend on themselves and neighbors for survival and information before government agencies. It's one of the key lessons learned in past natural catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina and Seattle's own Hanukkah Eve Wind Storm last winter.

That storm, which left thousands in West Seattle without power for up to a week, was a wake-up call, said Cindi Barker, a member of the Southwest Precinct Advisory Council.

Dozens of community members came to learn how to better prepare themselves in the event of a disaster.

Ken Jones, a senior photographer for King 5 News, told the crowd about his experience covering the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for King's sister station in Baton Rouge, La.

Much of the state was devastated by the Category 5 storm that hit the region in August 2005. Thousands were stranded for days without food or water and with little to no information while waiting for government aide.

When it didn't come, communities pulled together and did what they could to help each other survive, said Jones.

Jones and a team of journalists from around the region would fill their car with gas in Baton Rouge, (it was the only area in the state with cell phone service and operating gas stations), drive until the tank was half full, shoot footage and drive back to Baton Rouge to air the segments before filling up and going back.

He showed footage of lines of cars miles long waiting for gas after residents were told to evacuate the state. But without power, the effort was fruitless.

People couldn't communicate with anyone outside the state because cell phone towers were down, too.

From that unforgettable experience, Jones said he learned a few key lessons: In an emergency, backup generators for cell phone towers and gas stations are essential, along with evacuation and transportation plans.

"People will help themselves and each other if they are given the tools," said Jones. "There was gas in (Louisiana) they just couldn't get it out of the ground."

Even city and government services delivered a similar message.

Seattle's Office of Emergency Management, a 13-member department responsible for preparing Seattle for possible disasters, spends much of its time studying "seismic mitigation" for earthquakes, one of the biggest threats to the region.

But director Barb Graff stressed that they are "not the whole story." When it comes to being prepared, communities must ultimately rely on each other, because oftentimes city responders are overwhelmed during large disasters.

Seattle is at an advantage because of its strong neighborhood districts. Communities with networks and leadership suffer less damage because community institutions are well maintained, she said.

A larger goal of the local effort is to subsidize what the police, fire, public utilities and even the media can't often do in an emergency: provide explicitly local information and centralized locations for resources.

During the Hanukkah storm, it wasn't easy for people here to get hyper local information about power outages and available resources.

Some turned to a local blog, West Seattle Blog, for some of the most up-to-date information about what parts of West Seattle had power and what businesses were still open.

Barker read from a handout prepared by the anonymous West Seattle Blog "team." The blogger's comments focused on how to access the Internet "when disaster strikes."

Since they, too, were without power for several days, the bloggers purchased a wireless Internet card to continue posting entries by driving to local coffee shops and restaurants that still had power and wireless access.

Getting online could be the only way to find out about neighborhood specific information by checking news Web sites, blogs and email.

Set up a neighborhood Web site that can be used as "a virtual bulletin board," the West Seattle Blogger suggested.

Mark Howard from the Seattle Neighbors Actively Prepare (SNAP) program said creating a plan is only half the battle. Communities must practice strategies, and with that will come comfort and control, he said.

He also offered tips about what to do during an earthquake.

Get beneath something or beside a wall. If indoors, stay there. Move under a desk or sturdy table and hold onto it.

Stay away from windows, bookcases, refrigerators, or objects that could fall. Don't leave until the shaking stops.

If outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs and buildings. If driving, slowly pull over and stop. Avoid all overpasses, power lines and stay inside the vehicle.

Build a disaster supply kit with water, a radio, batteries, flashlights and food. Establish a family communication plan, and learn how to use tools like fire extinguishers.

Create a neighborhood plan. Decide where you'll meet. Get organized and exchange information.

"Figure out what you need to do to help yourself," Howard said.

Contact the Office of Emergency Management at 233-5076 for help in organizing your district. To host a Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare workshop call 233-7123.