County Urges Residents to Get Flood-Ready; Unincorporated Owners Get 40% Off Flood Insurance

Thurston County Emergency Management is urging residents to prepare now for fall and winter flooding, warning that high water can reach homes far from any river, according to an Oct. 19 county news release.

The county lists four main sources of flooding: rivers and streams overflowing, rising groundwater soaking normally dry ground, tidal flooding and urban flooding when heavy rain overwhelms drainage systems. Flooding is most common in fall and winter, the release said.

"Flooding is a recurring hazard in Thurston County, and we know that major flooding can have significant impacts on our communities," said Kyle Bustad, the county's emergency manager. "The good news is there are simple steps residents can take now to better prepare themselves, their families, and their property before the next major storm."

Flood insurance discount

Property owners in unincorporated Thurston County are eligible for up to 40% off flood insurance premiums, the county said. That discount comes from the county's Class 2 rating in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Johnson Point, South Bay and Boston Harbor are in unincorporated Thurston County.

The county noted that a new National Flood Insurance Program policy typically has a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect, so buying one after a storm is forecast is usually too late. Details are at www.floodsmart.gov.

What to do now

Emergency Management recommends that residents:

• Find out whether their home, workplace or regular routes are vulnerable to flooding.
• Build or update an emergency supply kit, including one for the car, and keep vehicles fueled.
• Store important documents and valuables above potential flood levels.
• Plan where to go if they need to leave home, and include pets.
• Watch weather conditions and changing flood risks.
• Never drive through a flooded road.

Sign up for alerts

The county encourages residents to register for TC Alert, its emergency notification system, and to keep their contact information current. Sign-up is at tcalert.org.

"Preparedness doesn't have to be complicated," Bustad said. "Knowing your flood risk, having emergency supplies, making a household plan, and knowing how you'll receive emergency information are all important steps toward being flood ready."

More information is on the county Emergency Management website, www.thurstoncountywa.gov/em.