Recent record flooding has placed severe hardship on many Snohomish County residents. The county is working to help citizens clean up and recover from this disaster.
"Council District One has been severely damaged," said Councilmember John Koster. "We need to do everything we can to help them recover quickly and without unnecessary delays or costs."
Residents whose property sustained flood damage are eligible for cleanup assistance by taking debris to temporary neighborhood drop-off locations or county transfer and dropbox stations at no charge. Residents who call 425-388-5060 to report damages to the DEM should inquire as to locations. Eligible homeowners in affected areas must show proof of residency in a flood area, such as a valid driver's license or a current utility bill.
Materials delivered to these temporary neighborhood sites must be separated into four categories - vegetation, building materials, household hazardous waste, and refrigerators and other large household appliances. Refrigerators and freezers must have contents removed, and doors should be removed or securely duct-taped shut. Farm-related debris cannot be picked up by the county but funds may be available through the local Farm Service Agency call 425-334-3131 for more information.
Residents who currently have vouchers from earlier storms may take their storm debris to one of the new temporary neighborhood drop off locations or to a County Solid Waste Facility. New vouchers will not be offered for the current storm damage disposal.
The Department of Emergency Management can be contacted at 425- 388-5060 (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday) to determine eligibility and for drop-off locations.
"It is also very important that people report their damages to their insurance company and DEM," added Koster. "Without this information Snohomish County residents cannot qualify for possible federal assistance."
Snowstorm damage reports will be collected until Friday, Jan. 16, while flood damage will be reported until Friday, Jan. 23. Farmers also should call the local Farm Service Agency at 425-335-5634. Debris deposited along fence lines and in fields as well as production losses, feed losses and crop damage all need to be reported.
