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MEDIA RELEASE <br />Date: November 2, 2021 <br />Contact: Arden Thomas, Water Resource Manager, 509-962-7523 <br />November is Flood Awareness Month <br />Flood season and winter are on their way. NOAA recently issued its winter climate outlook for <br />December 2021 through February 2022. La Nina conditions are expected again this winter, <br />which increases the likelihood that we will experience a cool and wet winter. The Board of <br />County Commissioners and Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District urge all county residents <br />to be prepared for the upcoming flood season. <br />Kittitas County urges residents to be aware of potential flood and hazardous weather conditions. <br />The National Weather Service (NWS) releases weather alerts to provide you with advanced <br />notification of potential flooding. Flood watches are released when flooding is possible, and you <br />should remain alert and prepare for the potential need to evacuate. Flood warnings are released <br />when a flood is reported or is imminent. During a warning you must act quickly to safely <br />evacuate if you are in the danger area. These weather alerts are released through the internet, the <br />media, and NOAA Weather Radio. There are many other ways to remain alert to potential <br />flooding, such as observing the NWS river level forecasts. There are links to many helpful <br />websites on the County's Flood Warning System webpage at <br />https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/publie-works/flood/waming.aspx. <br />All county and city residents should take steps to protect their property from flood impacts, even <br />if they do not live within a regulated floodplain. Because of the county's vast network of <br />streams and ditches, flooding can unexpectedly occur almost anywhere. The following steps can <br />be taken to prevent or reduce impacts from flooding. <br />Know your risk. To determine if your property is in a known risk area, visit <br />www.floodsmart.gov, call your local jurisdiction or the County's Floodplain Manager at 509- <br />962-7523, or view the County's online mapping service at gis.co.kittitas.wa.us. Floodwater <br />doesn't stay within defined risk areas, so be aware of streams and ditches that could potentially <br />flood your property. <br />Check your insurance coverage. Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flooding. <br />Consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance is available for all properties, not <br />just those within a defined risk area. If your property is located outside of the defined risk area, <br />you may qualify for a reduced rate Preferred Risk Policy. Contact your homeowner's insurance <br />