August 2009

Dear Friend,

With record temperatures sweeping the region, it’s hard to imagine winter is just around the corner.  Many of us are spending our time enjoying the nice weather, making our Labor Day plans, and thinking about getting ready for the start of the school year. 

Summer months, however, are also the time to start preparing for winter and the harsh weather conditions ahead, including the possibility of flooding.  Planning for extremely harsh winter conditions takes time and preparation.  

That’s why it’s important you know about possible flooding in the Green River Valley this winter.  In this e-newsletter, you can find critical information you need to prepare for the flood season.

As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve you.

Sincerely,

Julia Patterson
King County Councilmember - District 5

Preparing for Flooding in the Green River Valley

This winter there is a serious heightened risk of flooding in the Green River Valley.   Residents, businesses and farms below the Howard Hanson Dam that don’t typically see flooding could be inundated by several feet of water.

As your King County Councilmember and Chair of the Flood Control District, I strongly encourage you to plan for the higher risk of flooding if you live in the Green River Valley.   

Below are the steps I recommend you take now:

• Make an emergency plan and assemble an emergency kit.  You can find information about this at http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/.

• Buy flood insurance now, as it takes 30 days for a policy to take effect.  You can purchase flood insurance from most insurance companies.

• Purchase an inexpensive National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio for urgent weather alerts day and night, available at many retail outlets and through the Internet.

• Sign up for flooding updates and other emergencies at www.rpin.org.

During the winter months, make sure to:

• Watch area news media for information if severe weather is predicted.

• Monitor local road conditions and obey closure signs.

• Be ready to take medications and supplies with you in case you are evacuated.

• Be prepared to relocate animals and livestock out of harm’s way.

• Minimize flood damage by storing valuables, vehicles, and chemicals above possible flood levels; ensure your underground storage tanks are sealed and secure; learn how to use sandbags and locate where you can get them ahead of time; and keep storm drains free of leaves and other debris.

EVACUATION:

If serious flooding is predicted in your community, you could be asked to evacuate. Key transportation routes may be under water and transit service disrupted. Power outages and sewage back-ups are possible even outside the immediate flood zone. King County and Green River Valley cities are developing evacuation routes that will be widely distributed and posted on the Green River Flood Safety Web site at www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

King County and the King County Flood Control District will co-host, in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers, a public meeting about Green River flood safety.  The meeting will take place September 9 at 6 p.m. at Green River Community College in Auburn.  I encourage you to attend.

Planning now will help make you more prepared for the months ahead.  Small steps taken today can help protect your family and property for possible flooding ahead.

For more information about flood safety in the Green River Valley, please visit: www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans.

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