Citizen Loss Reports from the Winter Storm

The State of Washington issued a press release regarding reporting losses from the recent winter storm. It suggests that you contact your local emergency management office in addition to your insurance agency.

Information to have on hand includes:

• Name and address of the affected property.


• A description of damage, even if it insured.


• A personal estimate of losses that will be uninsured.


• An estimate of the fair market value of the damaged home or business.


• Keep records of all clean-up and repair costs and, if possible, document with photographs.

For loss reports here in Clark County, please contact our Damage Reporting Line at 360-737-1911, ext 3972 and leave your name and a phone number where we can return your call on the next business day between the hours of 8a-5p. (Our offices will be closed on 1/1/09.)

Your information will be recorded on a spreadsheet here in our CRESA office which will be forwarded to the State of Washington for consideration should they apply for federal assistance to assist in the recovery from this storm.

If federal assistance programs do become available, we will continue to update this blog with the latest information. Please realize that despite the collection of this information, we can offer no guarantees that federal assistance programs will become available to cover your loss.

Reporting Farm Losses due to the Winter Storm

Farmers suffering damage to their farms and production losses due to the storm need to report the damage and losses to their local USDA Farm Service Agency offices.

The local Farm Service Agency in each county rolls up the information and reports it to the Washington USDA-Farm Service Agency office in Spokane. They compile the information and assist the Director of the Washington USDA office in asking the Governor to request a USDA Secretarial Agriculture Disaster Declaration.

Even though a Presidential Disaster Declaration may not be warranted, a USDA Secretarial Agriculture Disaster Declaration may be declared. The reports of damage and losses from the farmers are vital in making that determination. If no damage or losses are reported, USDA Disaster Assistance may not be made available.

In Clark County, please contact our local Farm Service Center Office at:

LOWER COLUMBIA FARM SERVICE AGENCY
11104 NE 149TH ST BLDG C
BRUSH PRAIRIE, WA 98606-9565
(360) 883-1987
(360) 885-2284 Fax

Mailing Address:
11104 NE 149TH ST BLDG C STE 500
BRUSH PRAIRIE, WA 98606-9401

Raindrops on Roses

While our exciting snowfall is coming to an end, we will still be seeing moisture fall from the sky in our typical northwest fashion, rain! Earlier today in a press conference, Portland's Mayor Elect Sam Adams was hoisting a snow shovel and asking citizens to check on their local storm drains. If you've been following this blog, you'll already know why. Storm drain blockage can result in urban flooding as the water builds up quickly over streets and roadways.

As for streams and rivers here in Clark County, we'll be watching the Washougal, Salmon Creek and Lewis Rivers as they tend to be the first ones to exhibit any signs of flooding in our local area. The National River Forecast Center tracks a number of river levels and can be checked online at anytime.

So, as the snow melts and the face of the hazard changes to our familiar friend, consider what you can do to remain prepared:

• Check the storm drains on your street for any blockages that could be easily removed
• Keep a mindful eye on the weather, dressing properly in case you are stuck outside for longer than you anticipate.
• If you encounter high water, DO NOT try to drive through it.

Businesses Should Report Economic Losses

We have been fortunate that the recent snow storm has not caused a significant amount of reported damage throughout Clark County; however, because of the timing of the storm, the economic losses could be relatively high.

One of the types of disaster assistance programs that is offered by the Small Business Administration involves economic injury or loss. In order for the State of Washington to qualify for this type of assistance program, we need businesses to substantiate their estimated economic losses during this storm.

Please fill out the form on the right side tool bar and fax it to CRESA Emergency Management at 360-694-1954 by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2nd, 2009. We will compile the Clark County data and provide it to Washington State.

Completing this worksheet does not obligate you to apply for an SBA loan. It merely quantifies the economic impact to businesses by this weather event and allows the Governor to make a request for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for those businesses that need and want it.

Following the submission of our local data to the State of Washington in February, we will provide updated information here on the blog should disaster assistance become available locally. We will also attempt direct contact with each of the submitting agencies regarding next steps if SBA assistance is granted.

Preparing for the Snow Melt

The approaching rains and warmer temperatures, expected to last through the weekend, will bring their own problems, especially wherever melting snow and ice cannot flow quickly into storm drains. It's likely to bring some street ponding as storm sewer openings are plugged up with snow and ice.

Citizens are encouraged to clear storm drains in their neighborhoods to minimize local flooding problems from the run-off. Residents are asked to clear any blocked storm drains they see so the rain and melt water have somewhere to go.

“Ice dams” may have formed in roof gutters and down spouts, causing water to back up through roofs and seep into homes and commercial buildings, causing damage that necessitates costly repairs. If it’s not cleared off roofs, snow acts as a sponge, absorbing any additional sleet and rain, adding stress to structures. Flat, commercial roofs are most susceptible if they are not draining properly.

We are offering the following suggestions to minimize the risk of overstressing a building roof due to accumulated or drifting snow:

• Be on the alert for large accumulating snow build-up or snowdrifts on your roof.
• If roof snow can be removed, do so with caution. Use plastic shovels or brooms rather than metal shovels. Try to avoid working from ladders as ladder rungs tend to ice up. Flat roofs can be shoveled clear, but only if it is determined that the roof is safe to stand upon. Exercise care when on the roof to avoid potentially dangerous falls.
• Flat roof drainage systems should be kept clear to minimize the risk of excess roof ponding in the event of subsequent heavy rainfall or melting.
• Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean that ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.

All of the mentioned actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults since the snow is heavy and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery. Protective headgear and eye protection are recommended.

Thanks to our response partners in Washington County for providing this guidance!

Need to Arrive Safely - Use Public Transportation During Inclement Weather

During periods of inclement weather, residents should consider using public transportation for safe arrival to work or essential life-sustaining services.

C-TRAN is currently operating many normal bus lines on snow routes. To see current snow route information by visiting the C-TRAN snow route web page.

Remember C-TRAN buses are limited to only 25 MPH while using chains, so normal time stops are not accurate. To avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme weather, call C-TRAN to coordinate your essential transportation needs at 695-0123.

City of Vancouver Urges Residents to Stay Safe and Off Streets

A thick glaze of ice covers snow-socked side streets throughout Vancouver, but essential routes serving police, fire and medical services remain open.

Vancouver Public Works recommends residents stay safe and off the roads, avoiding unnecessary travel if at all possible in these slick and icy conditions. For those who must drive, chains or traction tires are highly recommended. They should go slow and stay a safe distance from snow plows and other equipment, giving them ample room to safely do their job.

In the event of snow, Vancouver crews clear streets as quickly as conditions and resources allow, concentrating on the city's top priority – the transportation network serving hospitals, police and fire stations. In severe winter conditions, priority route clearing is a process that repeats itself again and again. That constant battle allows no time or resources to clear residential streets.

In very snowy events, such as being experienced now, it can also cause plowed snow to bank streets in some areas, making it difficult for pedestrians to traverse.

Property owners are responsible for keeping adjacent sidewalks free from snow and ice under Vancouver Municipal Code. Homeowners and businesses on corners are asked to please help provide a safe passage from the sidewalk to the street. In all cases, please pile snow from sidewalk or driveways in yards, not in the street where it could impede vehicle travel.

Those who can are urged to lend a helping hand to elderly or disabled neighbors, clearing sidewalks, preventing plumbing problems and helping ensure their safety during inclement weather.

To report a problem with City of Vancouver streets or water, please call Public Works Operations at 360-696-8177. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

For more City of Vancouver information, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us. The following online resources are also available to help answer questions and submit requests related to streets, water, garbage collections and more: With icy conditions, power lines and downed trees can also become a concern. To report power outages, please contact Clark Public Utilities' PowerLine at (360) 992-8000.

Clark County Public Works - Hard at Work Before, During and After this Storm

Clark County Public Works crews hard at work!
Clark County Public Works continues a marathon effort to deal with snow and icy roads in higher elevations in the north, eastern and southeastern portions of the county. Crews in the urban area are also preparing for snow and possibly freezing rain over the weekend.

The department has a total of 60 workers and about 40 plow-equipped trucks working in two shifts covering the hours from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. throughout the duration of the snow event.

Current Storm Impacts
The hardest hit areas remain locations north of 199th Street and east of NE 182nd Avenue. This would include La Center, Amboy, Hockinson and higher elevations north of Battle Ground, Battle Ground Lake, and highlands above Camas and Washougal.

Despite temperatures at or above freezing, packed snow and ice remain a significant problem in some rural areas, and will likely get worse over the weekend. Public Works crews continue to plow, sand and apply deicer to keep main routes passable. Motorists traveling in these higher
elevations are advised to use chains or traction tires.

How to request assistance for roads blocked by falling trees
Contact Clark County Public Works Customer Service at 397-2446.

Learn about Clark County Public Works wintertime activities by viewing this video or accessing their web page.

Blizzard Warning Issued to Affect Camas/Washougal area

Blizzard warning issued for the Western Columbia River Gorge at 4:22 p.m. today. The threshold for blizzard conditions are forecasted snow plus wind gusts of 50 MPH. The National Weather Service confirmed via phone the Blizzard warning will affect the Camas and Washougal areas, especially in the hills above Camas and Washougal.

A warning mean the peril is imminent and will begin within the next few hours. A blizzard will cause dangerous driving conditions – use extreme caution in this area and take the necessary steps to mitigate and prepare for this condition.

Winter Storm Warning Issued for Saturday through Sunday evening

The NWS expects the next storm system to be stronger than either of the 2 earlier storms this week and plans to issue a WINTER STORM WARNING for Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening.

Today’s 12:30 p.m. weather briefing from the National Weather Service predicts the following impacts for Clark County:

Weather and Temperatures:

• Temperatures will be at or below freezing Friday afternoon through Monday morning.

• Snow will begin Saturday early afternoon and transition to freezing rain around 12 midnight. Snow accumulation may range from 4 – 10 inches, depending on when the transition to freezing rain occurs. Freezing rain will continue through Sunday. Significant ice accumulation up to ½ inch is expected Saturday and Sunday. Monday, the freezing rain will transition back to snow in the morning with the temperature hovering around freezing on Monday.

• The east wind will be strong in the east county areas, especially near Camas and Washougal with gusts up to 45 MPH.

A Winter Storm Warning means, "The hazard is occurring or imminent and poses a threat to life and property."

Take the opportunity now to restock your preparedness kit and revisit your family emergency plan. Your actions in the next 24 hours will directly correspond to your safety and comfort in the days to come.

Enjoying the Snow

When the weather forecasts start getting "frightful," I'm often asked about how many hours I (Cheryl Bledsoe) will be having to work as an emergency manager. My common answer is: "well, we'll see what it brings and whether there are any significant emergencies to support."

In the Pacific Northwest, we don't get a lot of winter weather. And, it seems that when it is in the forecast, there is a rush to think that it, by itself, is going to be an emergency. However, while the wintery weather provides some enhanced response by our public works and transit agencies, we have to remember that, given the type of work that they do, responding in all sorts of weather is what they excel at and are well-trained for.

An "emergency event" by our local working definition is an event that either overwhelms emergency response resources and/or presents needs that don't have existing or clear solutions which require a coordinated, multi-agency response.

For "declared disaster" events with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), we need to see uninsured damages or overtime response costs piling up over $1 million dollars.

If we, as community members, are well-prepared for what the winter weather brings, we may experience the weather, but it may or may not create an actual "emergency" situation.

Our emergency management staff are working hard to monitor both the weather conditions and our local community for signs of trouble requiring emergency coordination. And while wintery weather requires a little more advance planning and coordination, we encourage folks to remember that it can be fun, too!

What Can You Do.....

to help emergency responders in a bad weather situation???

STAY OFF THE ROADS

CRESA Emergency Management just participated in a briefing with the National Weather Service and there are a myriad of watches and warnings posted for the next few days.

When the weather gets hairy, the fewer drivers on the road, the easier life is for your emergency responders who are trying to respond as quickly as possible. So, plan ahead over the next 24 hours and prepare yourself and your family for some indoor activities.

And, if the weather forecasts all come true, please consider whether venturing out onto the roads is absolutely necessary. Your decision to stay home could be life-saving.

If you do need to be driving in the bad weather, take these precautions in the next 24 hours:

• Fill up your gas tank
• Carry chains inside your vehicle or have your snow tires on
• Ensure that you are able to stay warm in your vehicle without the use of the engine
• Travel with some food & water in your vehicle

Stay safe this weekend and out of harm's way!