| October 1, 2003
News Release After one of the driest summers on record, King County Executive Ron Sims is cautioning residents against complacency about flood dangers in the coming months. Recognizing October as "Flood Awareness Month," Sims today urged everyone living in flood-prone areas to prepare for the possibility of rising rivers and streams with a personal flood-preparedness plan. "The rain is coming and now is the time to think about keeping your family safe," Sims said. "People in flood prone areas should prepare their families - make sure they know emergency phone numbers, identify the safest evacuation routes and establish a meeting place in case family members are separated by rising water." Sims said residents should have emergency supplies including: a portable radio, flashlight, fresh batteries, emergency cooking equipment, non-perishable food, drinking water, essential medications and a first aid kit. In some cases, purchasing sand and sandbags can help to protect property. "We've had six federally-declared flood disasters in our county in the last 13 years. Floods in King County usually occur between November and February during heavy rain and rapid snowmelt," Sims said. "The Snoqualmie, South Fork Skykomish, Tolt, Raging, Cedar, Green and White rivers all have a history of flooding during winter months, as do many of our urban streams." In addition to its own preparations, King County is readying for the flood season through participation in the Regional Disaster Plan - a system that allows agencies and businesses to coordinate their response to emergencies - and the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN) public information online news service at www.GOVLINK.org. The service offers more than 50 participating agencies and organizations in the central Puget Sound teaming up to notify the public directly via e-mail or pager when responding to a broad range of service disruptions or emergencies. The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks and Department of Transportation Roads Services Division are also joining forces this month to review flood warning procedures and response plans with city, fire, police and roads employees at annual flood awareness meetings in the Cedar, Snoqualmie, Green and White river basins. King County employees who provide flood warning services are also conducting hands-on training in the field and at the Flood Warning Center this month to update internal procedures and ensure flood warning response services are ready. When river levels reach a certain threshold, King County's Flood Warning Center is opened and staffed around-the-clock to monitor river gauges, weather data, dam operations and road closures. King County staff mobilize and begin to gather, analyze and distribute flood warning information so that residents, businesses, property owners and emergency response officials can make important health and safety decisions. In most locations, the flood warning system provides at least two hours warning before floodwaters reach damaging levels. The Flood Warning Center dispatches staff to patrol the river systems and check levees for damage or indications of weakness. Flood patrols also respond to concerns and emergencies phoned in by property owners. Flood Warning Center employees work closely with National Weather Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Seattle and the King County Office of Emergency Management and Roads Services Division to obtain up-to-date information on flooding conditions, problem sites and the need for other emergency services. King County's floodplain management program and flood warning services are recognized nationally for excellence by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This FEMA recognition results in a 30 percent discount in flood insurance rates for policyholders in unincorporated King County. During river flooding events, King County operates a recorded message center with hourly updates of river gauge readings, predicted flood crests, dam operations and other related information. The recorded message number is 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263. When the Flood Warning Center is open, citizens can directly contact King County staff with their flooding concerns and questions by calling 206- 296-4535 or 1-800-768-7932. River gauge information is also available from the Department's Web site. Questions or assistance with flooding on smaller streams or urban drainage problems can be called into 206-296-1900 during business hours and 206-296-8100 after hours or on weekends. For more information about King County flood warning services, a map and tips on what to do before, during and after a flood, call 206-296-8001. Related Information
Flood
Awareness Month |
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