Washington Disaster News

News Releases

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  State EOC activated for winter storm (67.21 KB)
  WEMD News Release No 1, Dec.20, 2008
  
  State EOC activated for winter storm CAMP MURRAY, WASH. - The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated to a Phase III Saturday in preparation for supporting local jurisdictions as they respond to winter winds, snow and cold currently sweeping across the state. Washingtonians should consider the following preparedness actions: Stay home tonight and, as conditions permit, tomorrow.Listen to radio and television stations for local information and weather reports. More information is available at the following link.
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  Get ready for wind, snow, cold and power outages (84.26 KB)
  WEMD News Release, Dec. 19, 2008
  
  OLYMPIA - Power outages could be in the offing this weekend. With more winter weather coming our way, Washingtonians need to continue and step up their preparedness efforts today and through this weekend. "We can probably expect and are preparing for widespread power outages," stated Jim Mullen, director, Washington Emergency Management Division. "Coupling this with the continued cold temperatures, I urge everyone to make sure they're ready to go several days without power." Click on the link for preparedness information on power outages, carbon monoxide, driving in winter storm conditions, and how woodstove users can keep warm and reduce polluition at the same time.
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  WSDOT Warns of Winter Driving Conditions Throughout Washington (12.41 KB)
  
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  Winter Weather Preparedness Tips from Washington State (23.75 KB)
  
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  State EOC Returns to Normal Operations (28.67 KB)
  
  For immediate release Contact: Rob Harper News Release No. 5 Phone: 253-512-7005 November 13, 2008 Web address: www.wadisasternews.com State EOC returns to normal operations Camp Murray, WA -- The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) returned to normal operations at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2008, after 44 hours of Phase II activation due to flooding on numerous Washington rivers. Ten jurisdictions activated their emergency operations centers to monitor and respond to the flood event. Eight jurisdictions declared a state of emergency for this storm series. Flood warnings had been issued for at least 19 different river systems. As of 5:00 p.m., parts of the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Puyallup, Nisqually and Cowlitz Rivers remained on flood warning. The State Department of Transportation closed several major roadways and bridges, and damage assessment is on-going at this time to determine damages sustained by this event. Many local jurisdictions also closed roadways which were inundated with water. Among the more serious situations occurring as a result of this storm beyond the flooding of river banks, Pierce County sustained a levee breach, and the town of Cosmopolis sustained damage to the Mill Creek Dam. Water remains over some roadways, and citizens are discouraged from attempting to pass through those areas. For a complete list of road closures, information is available at: http://dot.wa.gov The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed several beaches to shellfish harvesting. Citizens should check DOH's website for updated information. Homeowners, renters and businesses who have experienced damages as a result of this recent storm series are encouraged to call their local emergency operations center to report their damages. It is imperative that damages be reported immediately to local emergency offices in order for the state to determine whether a Federal Assistance should be sought. When reporting damages, callers should be prepared to supply the following information: Name and address of affected propertyType of insurance (flood)A description of damage, even if uninsured A personal estimate of uninsured losses (it is not necessary for property owners to have a contractor's estimate - a rough estimate is acceptable.) Tax assessor's valuation of the structure (not including the property value) Public facility managers are also encouraged to call their local emergency management officials to report damages sustained to public buildings, (off-system) roadways, or any other public facility. If citizens have questions concerning any damages or whether a specific type of damage is covered, please contact your local emergency management office. Once the deadline passes, recovery will not be available. # # #
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  Flood Damage Assessment Begins (17.04 KB)
  
  For immediate release Contact: Rob Harper News Release No. 3 Phone: 800-688-8955 (media only) November 13, 2008 Web address: www.wadisasternews.com Flood Damage Assessment Begins CAMP MURRAY - Local agencies have begun gathering information to determine the damages from this week's onslaught of storms and floods. Homeowners, renters and businesses who have experienced damages as a result of this recent storm series are encouraged to call their local emergency operations center to report their damages. It is imperative that damages be reported immediately to local emergency offices in order for the state to determine whether a Federal Assistance should be sought. When reporting damages, callers should be prepared to supply the following information: Name and address of affected propertyType of insurance (flood)A description of damage, even if uninsuredA personal estimate of uninsured losses (it is not necessary for property owners to have a contractor's estimate - a rough estimate is acceptable.) Tax assessor's valuation of the structure (not including the property value) Public facility managers are also encouraged to call their local emergency management officials to report damages sustained to public buildings, (off-system) roadways, or any other public facility. If citizens have questions concerning any damages or whether a specific type of damage is covered, please contact your local emergency management office. Once the deadline passes, recovery will not be available. #####
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  State Flood Update #2 (38.69 KB)
  
  For immediate release Contact: Rob Harper News Release No. 4 Phone: 800-688-8955 (media only) November 13, 2008 · 2:20 pm Web address: www.wadisasternews.com State Flood Update #2 CAMP MURRAY -- Scattered showers will come to an end today easing Washington's flood threat, allowing state and local jurisdictions to phase down or end emergency response to this week's storms, floods and landslides. Road Closures Road closures or restrictions are in effect in eight counties as reported by state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) . Drivers can check their route before they go at www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/Update. WSDOT will update this Web site as conditions change. Updated travel information is also available by calling 5-1-1. County Proclamations The following counties have declared states of emergency: Chelan, King, Lewis, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom as well as the City of Snoqualmie. By the close of business today, November 13, 2008, all jurisdictions will have returned to normal levels of activation. Flood Status Flood warnings remain in effect on the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish rivers, and for small streams in northwestern Kittitas County. Shelters Emergency officials estimate a small number of people were housed in shelters overnight. Only one shelter remained open today, although nine were open overnight. Public Health Information: Water Systems - Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reports no issues with water systems at this time Shellfish - According to the Department of Health, as of November 13, 2008, there are currently nine shellfish harvesting areas in emergency closure status: Burley Lagoon (Approved) (Pierce County) Elk River (Grays Harbor County) Hammersley Inlet (Mason County) Hood 7,8,9 (Mason County, from the Great Bend to Belfair) North Bay (Mason County) Reach Island (Mason County) Vaughn Bay (Pierce County) All of these areas will be reopened tomorrow. Recreational shellfish beaches near these areas were closed as well and also will be reopened tomorrow. DOH also has been monitoring river levels in nine rivers. Of those nine rivers, only one - the Skokomish - is currently impacting shellfish. All of the other rivers tested have failed to reach shellfish closure levels. Shellfish in markets and restaurants come from areas not impacted by the storm and should be safe to consume. For additional information concerning shellfish harvesting, please check the Washington State Department of Health website at: http://ww4.doh.wa.gov/scripts/esrimap.dll?name=bioview&Cmd=Map&Step=1 Other activities and information: Citizens are reminded that landslides can continue to occur for the next week. If anyone notices anything which may indicate a slide occurring they are encouraged to contact their local EOC or law enforcement agency. With soils saturated from the recent heavy rains, winds could cause trees to fall. # # # #
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  Ecology Investigates Dam Breach Near Cosmopolis.pdf (34.05 KB)
  
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov. 12, 2008 08-292 Ecology inspecting dam breach, will recommend repairs to protect property from further flooding in Cosmopolis COSMOPOLIS - Department of Ecology (Ecology) engineers were inspecting a breach of the Mill Creek Dam this afternoon to ensure temporary repairs are made to prevent further flooding of residences. Trees toppling in heavy rains damaged the concrete and earthen structure when the dislodged root balls collapsed a 3- by-6 foot section of the dam. Ecology is monitoring to make sure the public is cordoned off from the breach area and to make sure the dam is inspected by city staff every few hours. No homes were evacuated and no injuries reported, but city officials said as many as 12 residences in Cosmopolis may have sustained at least some flooding in a 3-by-9-block area where water was "above the sidewalk, " said Police Chief Casey Stratton. It was not immediately known how much of the flooding was caused by the heavy rains or in combination with the breach of the city-owned dam. The reservoir behind the dam is about 3 to 4 acres in size and holds about 6.5 million gallons of water. The lake is used for recreation but collects stormwater run-off from surrounding hills. Cosmopolis Public Works Manager Darrin Raines said water overtopped the earthen portion of the dam about 7:45 a.m. today but the reservoir no longer poses a flood threat. A local contractor has been called in to address the potential for further erosion of the breach. Ecology Dam Safety Engineer Jerald Lavassar said Ecology's priority is to make sure that the dam isn't at risk for a larger break. The Mill Creek Dam is one of more than 1,000 dams that Ecology inspects and regulates in Washington state. ### Media Contact: Dan Partridge, 360-407-7139; cell: 360-480-5722; dpar461@ecy.wa.gov For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/dams/dss.html Ecology's Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov
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  State Flood Update (30.88 KB)
  
  For immediate release Contact: Rob Harper News Release No. 2 Phone: 800-688-8955 (media only) November 12, 2008 4:00 p.m. Web address: www.wadisasternews.com State Flood Update CAMP MURRAY -- The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Camp Murray remains at an enhanced activation Wednesday in support of the flooding events statewide. Overview Through 4 p.m. Wednesday, the following jurisdictions have activated their Emergency Operations Centers: King, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Whatcom Counties, and the Snoqualmie Tribe. Pierce, Snohomish, Chelan and Whatcom counties have issued proclamations of emergency. Evacuations Local jurisdictions in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties have recommended evacuations in a few specific areas. For their safety, citizens are urged to follow the instructions of their emergency management personnel. Shelters Evacuation shelters have been opened in King, Snohomish, Whatcom and Pierce counties. Residents should check with local emergency management agencies or the American Red Cross for shelter locations. Animal shelters have been established in Pierce and Snohomish counties. Road Closures There are numerous road closures throughout the state. Drivers should check their routes at www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/Update before attempting to drive. WSDOT will update this Website as conditions change. Updated travel information is also available by calling 5-1-1. Flooding: Current flood warnings are in effect for the following rivers: Carbon Naselle Satsop Snoqualmie Cedar Newaukum Skagit Stillaguamish Chehalis Nisqually Skokomish Tolt Cowlitz Nooksack Skykomish Deschutes Puyallup Snohomish The State EOC is monitoring flood levels and weather conditions, and is standing by to provide further assistance to local jurisdictions as requested. Representatives from various state agencies are working on conjunction with local agencies to monitor the situation and respond as necessary. # # # #
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  State EOC Activated Due to Floods in Western Washington (36.24 KB)
  
  For immediate release Contact: Rob Harper News Release No. 1 Phone: 800-688-8955 (media only) November 12, 2008 Web address: www.wadisasternews.com State EOC activated due to floods in Western Washington Camp Murray, WA -- The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated at a Phase II at 10: 00 p.m. Nov. 11 in response to flooding conditions on several Western Washington rivers. Supervisory staff and key personnel have reported to the EOC. Heavy rainfall has caused rivers in Mason, Grays Harbor, Whatcom, Clallam, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Lewis, and Thurston counties to approach or exceed flood stage. County emergency operations centers have been activated in King, Pierce, Lewis, Whatcom and Snohomish counties. Gov. Christine Gregoire's office has been notified of the activation and will receive periodic updates on the flooding situation. The State Enhanced 911 Office in cooperation with local telephone carriers reminds all citizens in the affected area: To stay off the telephone unless you have a critical need to make a telephone call. Remember a FAX or a computer also uses a telephone line and its use may affect your ability to get immediate help in a life-threatening emergency. DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you need an emergency response from police, fire or emergency medical personnel.If you experience other types of problems not related to these emergency services, call the appropriate telephone number for those services.DO NOT call 9-1-1 unnecessarily. 9-1-1 lines must be kept open for people who have a true emergency.If you pick up your telephone to make a call and do not hear dial tone, DO NOT HANG UP. Simply wait a few seconds, and you will get dial tone and be able to make your call. Residents in flood prone or flood watch areas should consider the following preparedness actions: Listen to radio or television stations for local information and weather reports.Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.Do not walk or drive through floodwaters.Secure your home. If time permits, also secure items located outside the house.If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.Fill your car with fuel.Fill the bathtub with water in case the water supply becomes contaminated or services are cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first. When deep flooding is likely, permit the floodwaters to flow freely into your basement to avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house.