HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation_November Flood Awareness MonthKITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA DATE: November 2, 2021
ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Approve and Sign a Proclamation Designating
November 2021 as Flood Awareness Month
BACKGROUND: It is important for Kittitas County Residents to be prepared
for the flooding season. Public education and awareness of
what can be done to prepare for flooding is a helpful and
necessary step in the effort to lessen public and private
property damage and loss of life due to flooding.
INTERACTION: Public Works; Flood Control Zone District
RECOMMENDATION: Approve and Sign the Proclamation Designating November
2021 as "Flood Awareness Month".
HANDLING: Return one (1) copy to Public Works
ATTACHMENTS: Proclamation
LEAD STAFF: Arden Thomas, Water Resource Manager
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, major flooding conditions can cause significant damage to public and private property,
disruption of public services and loss of human life; and Kittitas County has been declared a federal
disaster area nine times since 1964 because of flooding; and
WHEREAS, the total damages to public and private property from these disasters is in excess of
$50,000,000; and
WHEREAS, we can reduce risk and help make our communities more damage resistant by
providing information to residents and property owners about actions they can take to prepare for
floods; and
WHEREAS, the key to understanding the dangers of flooding is through education and awareness;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners do hereby proclaim
the month of November 2021 as
FLDDD AWARENESS MONTH
We encourage all residents living, working or traveling through flood -prone areas to join us in
developing a flood preparedness plan for themselves and their families.
DATED this 2nd day of November 2021
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chair
Laura Osiadacz, Vice -Chair
Cory Wright, Commissioner
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: November 2, 2021
Contact: Arden Thomas, Water Resource Manager, 509-962-7523
November is Flood Awareness Month
Flood season and winter are on their way. NOAA recently issued its winter climate outlook for
December 2021 through February 2022. La Nina conditions are expected again this winter,
which increases the likelihood that we will experience a cool and wet winter. The Board of
County Commissioners and Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District urge all county residents
to be prepared for the upcoming flood season.
Kittitas County urges residents to be aware of potential flood and hazardous weather conditions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) releases weather alerts to provide you with advanced
notification of potential flooding. Flood watches are released when flooding is possible, and you
should remain alert and prepare for the potential need to evacuate. Flood warnings are released
when a flood is reported or is imminent. During a warning you must act quickly to safely
evacuate if you are in the danger area. These weather alerts are released through the internet, the
media, and NOAA Weather Radio. There are many other ways to remain alert to potential
flooding, such as observing the NWS river level forecasts. There are links to many helpful
websites on the County's Flood Warning System webpage at
https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/publie-works/flood/waming.aspx.
All county and city residents should take steps to protect their property from flood impacts, even
if they do not live within a regulated floodplain. Because of the county's vast network of
streams and ditches, flooding can unexpectedly occur almost anywhere. The following steps can
be taken to prevent or reduce impacts from flooding.
Know your risk. To determine if your property is in a known risk area, visit
www.floodsmart.gov, call your local jurisdiction or the County's Floodplain Manager at 509-
962-7523, or view the County's online mapping service at gis.co.kittitas.wa.us. Floodwater
doesn't stay within defined risk areas, so be aware of streams and ditches that could potentially
flood your property.
Check your insurance coverage. Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flooding.
Consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance is available for all properties, not
just those within a defined risk area. If your property is located outside of the defined risk area,
you may qualify for a reduced rate Preferred Risk Policy. Contact your homeowner's insurance
agent for more information but remember that flood insurance has a 30 -day waiting period so
you should purchase it sooner rather than later.
Keep drainage systems clean. When culverts or ditches are plugged, water backs up and
becomes unpredictable. Instead of flowing down the ditch, water may begin flowing towards
your home. Landowners should ensure that ditches are free of debris and culverts are unplugged.
Tarp dams should be removed from ditches when not in use. Do not dump or throw anything in
ditches or streams. During a flood, these items can be washed away and plug culverts and
channels.
Prepare your property. Do not build or store items within the floodplain unless they are
properly elevated, anchored and permitted by your local jurisdiction. Some items around your
house, such as storage sheds, are easily shifted by floodwaters and must be anchored using an
approved method. HVAC systems, hot water heaters and electrical panels should be elevated
above flood levels. Install a backflow valve in your septic system to prevent sewage backing up
into your home.
Secure your propane tank. Propane tanks are very susceptible to damage from flood waters if
not properly secured. Even underground tanks can become buoyant when surrounded by
saturated soils. Above ground tanks are subject to buoyancy and the forces of flowing water and
debris. Tanks should be securely anchored to the ground using tie downs, anchor bolts or earth
augurs. The type of anchoring is dependent on specific site conditions, such as soil type and the
buoyancy forces that will be exerted on the tank. If you have questions about the secureness of
your propane tank, contact your Fire Marshal or propane provider.
Minimize flood damage. Store valuables and electronics higher. Keep an inventory of
household items for insurance purposes. Store copies of irreplaceable financial and family
documents in a safe place including titles, tax records, deeds, wills, birth and marriage
certificates, stock and bond certificates, trust agreements, passports, and insurance policies.
Put together a disaster kit and disaster plan. Keep water, food, batteries, flashlight, battery
powered radio, first aid kit, and any other essential items on hand, such as pet food, medication,
and diapers. For the disaster plan, designate an out-of-town contact. Be sure every member of
your family has the contact's phone number to call in case of an emergency. Figure out the best
routes to take in case of evacuation. For more information, visit www.readv.sov.
For more information on flooding or floodplain regulations within Kittitas County, visit the
County's flood information website at www.co.kittitas.wa.us/public-works/flood/default.aspx or
contact Arden Thomas, Kittitas County Floodplain Manager at 509-962-7523.
Flood Awareness Month Proclamation
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us