The VRFA Participates in Regional Flood Planning Group
Early efforts were focused with the City of Auburn whose residents are also served by the VRFA. As the scope of the effort was realized, the Regional Planning Group (RPG) was formed to take on a wider scope of response to the potential for flooding. The RPG is made up of officials from Auburn, Kent, Renton, Seattle, Tukwila, King County, Army Corps of Engineers, and Washington State.
The VRFA’s planning efforts focus on potential evacuation and water rescue during active flooding. These plans are expected to be complete by summer and tested in a tabletop exercise in late summer or early fall prior to flood season.
What can you do to prepare for the possibility of flooding?
First, evaluate your existing insurance policy and if you live in a potential flood area evaluate your options for purchasing flood insurance. The average homeowner and business insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Policies are available through local insurance agencies. Contact your agent for details, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 (TTY 1-800-427-5593).
For information on how to prepare your location in the Green River Valley, start with King County’s website at http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare/FloodPlan_GRiverBasin.aspx.
For the latest information about the situation with the Howard Hanson Dam, visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ website at http://www.nws.usace.army.mil.
For further information on emergency preparedness in the City of Auburn, visit http://www.auburnwa.gov/Emergency/disaster.asp.
*White River Valley Museum photo # PO-00931
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