Last week was Flood Awareness Week in Thurston County, and county leaders used the opportunity to remind residents to get “flood smart” before winter storms arrive, a news release from Thurston County stated.
Now is the time to check emergency kits, make family plans and review flood insurance coverage before the rain starts falling.
“Preparing ahead of time is the best way to reduce flood impacts and protect your loved ones,” Thurston County Emergency Management officials stated in the release. “Simple steps today can make a big difference when storms hit.”
Flooding is one of the most common natural hazards in Thurston County. Find out where flood-prone areas are and learn about the types of flooding that can occur at the County’s Flood Information Page, available at https://tinyurl.com/mw6e3n3m.
The news release recommends preparing an emergency kit by stocking up on essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, items for pets and important documents.
Additionally, taking preventative steps such as installing flood barriers, elevating electrical systems and reviewing flood insurance are encouraged by the county. Even homes outside high-risk areas can experience flooding.
Make a family emergency plan by talking with loved ones about where to go and how to communicate in case of an evacuation, the release stated. Designate meeting spots and back-up communication options if phones go down.
Stay informed with Thurston Community Alert (TC Alert), the county’s official emergency notification system. TC Alert sends flood warnings, evacuation notices and severe weather alerts to phones or email. Sign up at tcalert.org. The TC Alert system was tested last week.
Thurston County residents in unincorporated areas can receive up to a 40% discount on flood insurance premiums for properties in special flood hazard areas, thanks to the county’s top-rated floodplain management efforts, the release stated.
For the latest updates and preparedness tips, follow Thurston County Emergency Management on Facebook at ThurstonEM; X (Twitter) at @ThurstonEM; and Instagram at @thurstoncountyem.
