Snohomish County offers online survey to help residents report damage

Courtesy of Snohomish County

Snohomish County has an online survey that will help residents report damage from the historic flooding on rivers that began Dec. 9

The county’s Department of Emergency Management launched the survey Dec. 16 and will remain open through Dec. 31.

The survey information may help make the case for disaster recovery resources, and it needs to be provided quickly, said Lucia Schmit, the County’s director of Emergency Management.

“Over the past week we have seen amazing support from first responders and neighbors within our community,” Schmit said in a news release. “Now we are trying to bring in support from outside to help with recovery. We don’t know if we will be successful with our request for Federal funds, but every survey with reported damage helps bring us closer.”

Over the last week, Snohomish County has faced prolonged and record-high levels of flooding. The first surge of water reached local rivers on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and the County Executive issued an emergency proclamation. The county’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated since that morning.

A second, much more intense surge of water followed the first. Multiple rivers reached or exceeded historic records. Water covered roadways and prompted extensive closures. Multiple communities received alerts to evacuate or seek higher ground. First responders rescued dozens of people and pets. Shelter for displaced individuals was made available at cold weather shelters and a Red Cross location at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. The Fairgrounds also provided emergency stabling for hundreds of horses, cattle, and other displaced animals.

Water began receding around Dec. 12, but severe weather has continued, causing additional flooding in some areas. The current outlook also includes windy conditions that can cause power outages, trees over roadways and other hazards, as well as an elevated landslide risk.

As flood-impacted residents turn their attention toward recovery, it’s vital to thoroughly and swiftly document damage to homes and property before cleaning up. Along with completing the survey, people should take lots of photographs, prepare a list of damages, and save all receipts from repair and clean-up.

There are potential funding opportunities available after a disaster, but these opportunities require timely and accurate damage assessment. A damage assessment should show what was damaged, as well as when, where, and how damage occurred. These assessments start the process for disaster recovery programs, and the county’s Department of Emergency Management will collect this information over the coming weeks.

Reporting damage could help reach thresholds necessary for recovery funding. Though there is no guarantee on whether and what funding will become available, understanding the damage throughout the county will be beneficial for other aspects of recovery planning, as well.

“I urge people to prioritize their safety as they re-enter previously flooded areas, and to carefully document their damages,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “Please fill out the survey if you were impacted by this devastating flooding. Gathering this information from residents and businesses will be crucial as recovery efforts continue.”

Work also is underway separately to capture damage to public infrastructure. The damage survey focuses on impacts to privately owned homes, farms and businesses.