Washington Disaster News

       Emergency Public Information from the Washington Emergency Management Division

News Releases

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  Donations Management (26.29 KB)
  
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  State-FEMA News Release 12-12-07 FINAL-Recovery Process (17.15 KB)
  
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  News Release #20 Flood Update (63.05 KB)
  
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  DSHS Begins 'Feed Washington Families' Program (46.73 KB)
  
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  First FEMA Checks Sent to Washington Residents (18.98 KB)
  FEMA Press Release Dec.11, 2007
  
  News Release FIRST FEMA CHECKS MAILED TO WASHINGTON RESIDENTS SEATTLE – On Sunday, 9 December, FEMA Administrator David Paulison approved Governor Gregoire’s request for Individual Assistance for Grays Harbor and Lewis counties to help homeowners, renters and businesses recover from the effects of the 1 December storms, and asked those who suffered damage to register for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing impaired). According to FEMA Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson, more than 1,600 Washingtonians have already registered for assistance. “The response and recovery efforts of state and local first responders have been no less than heroic. I particularly commend Governor Gregoire’s decisive leadership in meeting the emergency needs of her citizens. She literally pulled out all the stops to support Western Washington flood victims in their time of need,” said Reinertson. “Our teleregistration lines were opened Sunday afternoon, the first field inspectors deployed to visit the homes of registrants early Monday, and the very first check, for a Grays Harbor resident for $1,740, has already been mailed. Many more will follow.” Reinertson said that additional federal support is being considered. “We are working closely with our state and local partners to assess damage to determine the need for additional federal assistance. I encourage all residents who live outside of Grays Harbor and Lewis counties to report their damages through their local offices of emergency management to ensure that data is available to state officials.” Reinertson encouraged residents of Grays Harbor and Lewis counties not to opt out of the system by failing to register. “I urge residents of the eligible counties to register either through our toll-free number or online at www.fema.gov.’ A simple 15 minute phone call or a brief visit to the webpage will provide the registrant with comprehensive answers on which services they qualify for.” The Individual Assistance program can help eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property and medical, dental, and even funeral expenses caused by the disaster, as well as other serious unmet needs. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. ###
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  News Release #19 Donation Coordination (26.36 KB)
  
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  News Release #18 Flood Update (54.63 KB)
  
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  UPDATED News Release #4 Report Damages (49.75 KB)
  
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  News Release #17 Flood Update (47.34 KB)
  
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  Media Availability #16 (24.66 KB)