Howard Hanson Dam

Green River flood preps

The Green River Valley is vulnerable to severe flooding in the coming months that could wipe out homes and businesses and devastate our regional economically. We don’t have to go far back in history to see the devastating impact of flooding. In 1959, the same year construction began on the Howard Hanson Dam, a severe flood caused tens of millions of dollars in damage, wiped out sections of highways and forced hundreds to leave their homes. The current threat impacts even more people — far more.

The Army Corp of Engineers and the state are working hard to fix problems with the Howard Hanson Dam, but we must take precautions now!

If you live in the Green River Valley, sign up for direct deposit

Our state Employment Security Department has a great idea: If you live in the Green River Valley and you receive unemployment insurance checks by mail, sign up for direct deposit — ASAP.
With the rainy season starting, and the Howard Hanson Dam operating at reduced capacity, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has warned that communities downstream of the dam face a greater risk of flooding this winter. While we all hope it doesn’t come to that, it pays to be prepared.

Signing up for direct deposit will help ensure that, even in a worst-case scenario, you will have access to your benefits. A few minutes now could save you hours and even days or weeks of frustration in the event you are displaced by flooding.

You can click these links for additional information or to sign up for direct deposit now. Don’t delay. It takes up to 14 days for the department to receive verification from a bank or credit union and begin direct deposit, so the sooner you sign up, the sooner you’ll begin receiving your benefits in a way that can’t be disrupted by flooding.

Buy flood insurance!

As little as two inches of water could easily cost a homeowner nearly $10,000 in repairs. To learn how to obtain federal flood insurance, call 1-888-379-9531 or go to http://www.floodsmart.gov.

Don’t wait! It normally takes 30 days after purchase for flood insurance to go into effect.

Important Numbers

• 9-1-1
  Life threatening emergencies
• Auburn Reverse 911 for emergency alerts
  Sign up at www.auburnwa.gov and click on "Auburn Alert" under "Quick Links"
• Kent Reverse 911 for emergency alerts
  Sign up at www.kentCodeRED.com
• Emergency housing and assistance, Office of Emergency Management
   206-296-3830
• King County Flood Warning Center (open during Floods)
  206-296-4535 or 800-768-7932
• Recorded road closures in unincorporated King County
  206-205-9150
• Emergency sandbags
  Sandbags from the City of Kent (before flooding)
  253-856-5600
• Sandbags from the City of Auburn (before flooding)
  253-876-1925
• Sandbags (when flood warning conditions exist)
  206-296-4535 or 800-945-9263
• Sandbag instructions
  206-764-3406
• King County Road 24/7 Helpline
  206-296-8100 or 1-800-527-6237
• Hazardous Waste Disposal (house or business)
  206-296-4692
• Seattle Red Cross
  206-323-2345
• Office of the Insurance Commissioner
  1-800-562-6900
• National Flood Insurance
  1-888-379-9531

---

Emergency Checklist

____ Determine whether you’re in a flood area.
Flood area: Yes   No

____ If in a flood area, is flooding covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy?
(Most insurance policies specifically exclude flooding from rising water.)
Flood insurance: Yes   No

____ If flooding is not covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s policy, obtain separate flood insurance.
Insurance company: ____________________________________________________________________

____ Keep current copies of all important papers or valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Location of safe-deposit box: ____________________________________________________________________

____ Put together a Disaster Supplies Kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab box.
Location of Disaster Supplies Kit: _________________________________________________________________

____ Write instructions on how and when to turn off your utilities — electricity, gas and water.
Instructions written: ________________________________________________________________________ (date)

____ Decide where your family would go in case you must evacuate. Clear your plan with the relatives or friends you plan to stay with — or go to a shelter. Also, get an extra map and mark two alternate routes to reach that destination. Add the map to your Disaster Supplies Kit.
Evacuation plan completed: _____________________________________________________________________ (date)

Checklist Source: FEMA, Red Cross and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)