Just in time for this week’s heavy rains, Pierce County has mailed more than 19,000 flood bulletins to people who live near or in flood-hazard areas.
The bulletin offers tips on preparing for a flood and what to do if flooding occurs. The advice includes making an emergency supply kit and developing a safety plan, including an evacuation route.
The annual bulletin also includes information on flood insurance and the history and causes of flooding.
The six-page bulletin was mailed to residents in unincorporated Pierce County who live near or in low-lying areas surrounding major rivers, streams and high groundwater areas.
People who live near or in flood-hazard areas – which are defined as being within the 100-year floodplain – should receive the bulletin by today, said Tiffany O’Dell, education and outreach coordinator with surface water management for the county. The bulletins were mailed Friday.
In addition to the flood bulletin, the county’s flood website offers:
• Flood warning announcements and the capability to check flooding conditions for the Puyallup, Carbon, White and Nisqually rivers.
• Links to sign up to receive emergency messages via land line, cellphone, email or text message from the county Department of Emergency Management’s alert notification system.
• Information on the Rivers Flood Hazard Management Plan. The plan is being developed to reduce risks to public safety and minimize damage to public and private property.
The annual flood bulletin usually is sent out at the beginning of flood season. O’Dell said the county is fortunate residents are receiving it at the same time the threat of flooding is in the news.
“Hopefully, it will be more on people’s minds than ever, and they will take a few minutes to glean some useful information from the bulletin,” she said.
The county has been producing a flood bulletin since at least 2005.
It increased the number of bulletins mailed out from 14,892 last year to 19,088 this year by adding unit addresses for multifamily addresses, including apartments and condominiums. The bulletin was sent to all addresses and property owners in a flood-hazard area where at least part of the property is within that area.
Cost for printing and mailing this year’s bulletin was $15,451, which is paid by the annual surface water management fee.
Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647 steve.maynard@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/polibuzz
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