Washington Disaster News

       Emergency Public Information from the Washington Emergency Management Division

News Releases

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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.
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  Prepare Your Home and Family for Fall Winds, Rain and Floods (70.00 KB)
  
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  State, Federal Officials Praise Successful Tsunami Exercise (28.00 KB)
  
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  Homeowners, Renters Need to Insure Now Against Winter Floods (69.50 KB)
  
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  Gov. Gregoire Announces Washington Military Department Emergency Management Grants (25.50 KB)
  
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  Washington Guard Assisting with Ike Response (63.64 KB)
  Washington Military Department News Release, Sept. 12, 2008
  
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  Governor's Statement about State's Contribution to Hurricane Ike Response (35.00 KB)
  Governor's Office Release, Sept. 12, 2008
  
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  Governor Makes September a Month to Get Ready (70.50 KB)
  Correction--WEMD News Release, Aug. 29, 2008
  
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  Washington Wildfires By the Numbers August 21, 2008 (35.00 KB)