Sen. Swecker wants citizens as safe as possible as flood season begins

November 17, 2008

Rochester Republican Senator Dan Swecker wants citizens to know how to stay as safe as possible in the event of a flood as Washington state enters flood season. 

Last December, floods ravaged much of the 20th District, leaving some communities still recovering. Swecker prime-sponsored bills in the 2008 legislative session to help flood victims, such as Senate Bill 6904 aimed at providing tax relief for property damaged as a result of a natural disaster. 

By making plans now, citizens can protect themselves and their property in the event of another flood.  

• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high ground and establish meeting places and phone numbers in case family members are separated by rising flood waters.
• Make arrangements for housing in the event you need to evacuate.
• Make a preparedness plan to help protect your property. Store valuables at higher elevations and move household chemicals above flood levels so the dangerous materials do not leak into your home.
• When water levels start to rise, sandbag doorways and move vehicles to higher ground in order to make a quick evacuation when advised to do so.
• If it has been raining hard for several hours or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood. Listen to local TV and radio stations for information and advice.

Citizens may also wish to purchase a high-frequency weather radio. For more information about the radios and where to purchase one, go to the Washington Emergency Management Division’s Web site at http://www.emd.wa.gov/publications/pubed/weather_radio_features.shtml.

During inclement weather, tune to 162.475 in Lewis and Thurston Counties.

The Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division updates its Web site to keep current on severe weather at http://emd.wa.gov/index.shtml. A flood WATCH means a flood is possible, and a flood WARNING means a flood is already happening. 

When are asked to evacuate, do so immediately using roads that do not have standing water on them. Current road conditions can be found through the Washington State Department of Transportation website http://www.wsdot.wa.gov or by calling 5-1-1.  

If waters overtake your home while you are still in it, get to the highest point and call 9-1-1 for help. Rescuers can direct you to the nearest shelter set up by the American Red Cross in your area. 

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For more information contact Ashley Forsyth at
(360) 786-7037, forsyth.ashley@leg.wa.gov
or Rebecca Japhet at (360) 786-7516, japhet.rebecca@leg.wa.gov.