Thurston County officials say residents should begin getting “flood smart” in advance of the upcoming flood season.
Recommendations include checking emergency kits, creating emergency plans with family and purchasing flood insurance. According to a Tuesday news release from the county, traditional homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage, and federal assistance is only available for federally declared disasters.
“The clock is ticking. With a mandatory 30-day waiting period once you make your initial premium payment, every second counts,” Kyle Bustad, Thurston County emergency management manager, said in the release. “We’re focusing this week on encouraging residents to get flood insurance now before storm season sets in. Get your flood insurance today.”
Thurston County receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually, on average.
The county also recommends that residents stay up to date by signing up for Thurston Community Alert, which can send alerts to smartphones and other devices on flood warnings, evacuation notices and instructions, or severe weather alerts. To sign up, go to tcalert.org. Thurston County residents can also create a Smart911 profile. The profile allows users to voluntarily give first responders information, including the number of pets in the home, emergency contacts or medical providers.
The county is active on Facebook at ThurstonEM, X (formerly Twitter) at @ThurstonEM and on Instagram at thurstoncountyem.
“While Thurston County is prone to flooding, especially in the fall and winter, our community is stronger and more resilient when we work together and prepare,” the county wrote in the release.
