Anatomy of a Disaster

Yakima, WASH-
From time to time our office is asked, "what type of assistance is there for disaster victims"? Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question. Every disaster must meet certain criteria for certain levels of governmental assistance. Below is a basic guide on what may be available:

Immediate Emergency Help:  The American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other volunteer organizations can and will provide immediate aid in the way of clothing, emergency food, medical assistance, emergency shelters, clean-up help, transportation help and furniture.   This assistance is available upon request from individuals or government agencies.  American Red Cross: 509-457-1690, Salvation Army:  509-453-3139.

Federal Disaster Assistance:

This can be provided through the Stafford Act when the President declares a major disaster. The request must be made from the governor of the affected state, to the President. The governor must receive the request by the local jurisdiction impacted by the disaster.  Assistance provided includes minimal assistance for housing repairs, housing replacement, rental assistance and help with medical, dental, and funeral expenses, vehicle repair/replacement, transportation, and certain other personal property losses. 

Registration: When the president declares a disaster, that includes the Individuals and Households Program, FEMA sets up a toll-free registration number (800-621-3362) where individuals and households can begin to apply for immediate assistance.  Internet registration can also be made at www.fema.gov/assistance/  or www.disasterassistance.gov . If you do not register, you will not get help.  

Individual and Household Program consists of Housing Assistance (HA) and Other Needs Assistance                              

HA assists eligible individuals/households with housing needs like financial assistance to rent alternative housing, repair owner occupied private residences and to replace owner occupied private residences ONA awards are available to qualified individuals/ households who have serious, disaster-related needs and expenses for which assistance from other federal, state, or voluntary agencies disaster programs are unavailable or inadequate. These needs typically fall into the categories of medical, dental, and funeral expenses, as well as personal property, transportation, and other necessary expenses or serious needs. This program is only available when the president declares a disaster.

In the absence of insurance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has two loan programs that could help a community in lieu of a presidential declaration. SBA Physical Loss Disaster Loans program provides low interest loans to eligible individuals and businesses that have incurred disaster damage.  Loans are intended to help victims repair or replace damaged property to a pre-disaster condition.SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): EIDL provides low-interest loans to eligible small businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury, regardless of physical damage.  It provides loans for operating expenses until business recovers.  For more information about SBA loans, go to: www.sba.gov/financialassistance/.

Farm Service Agency Loans:  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides emergency loans to help farmers and ranchers recover from physical and production losses, to repair or replace farm property and supplies, or repay farm operating debts incurred during the disaster year.  For more information about FSA loans, go to: www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA and click on State Offices.

NOV. 9 Emergency Alert Test

Washington D.C. - The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will be carried out on November 9, 2011. For more information about the test or access to the participant reporting system, please click here.


The FCC, in conjunction with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service (NWS), implements the EAS at the federal level. The President has sole responsibility for determining when the EAS will be activated at the national level, and has delegated this authority to the director of FEMA. FEMA is responsible for implementation of the national-level activation of the EAS, tests, and exercises. The NWS develops emergency weather information to alert the public about imminent dangerous weather conditions. Unlike the 60 second test of years past this test will be 3 minutes long. Television and radio broadcasts will be stopped during this time period.

Hazardous Materials Response

CEMP ESF #10 Hazardous Materials Response has been updated.  It is consistent with guidance provided by the SERC.  It is ready for review and comments by stakeholders.  Contact Charles Erwin at 509.574.1905.  An electronic copy will be provided.

Disaster Assistance Available for Small Businesses

Yakima, WASH– Small, non farm businesses in 26 Washington counties are now eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). “These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the combined effects frosts, freezes, extreme cold, high winds and excessive snow that occurred in the following 15 primary Washington counties from November 10, 2010 through March 25, 2011,” announced Alfred E. Judd, Director of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West.

Primary Washington counties: Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Island, King, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Skagit, Snohomish, Walla Walla and Yakima;

Neighboring Washington counties: Adams, Columbia, Ferry, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Lincoln, Pierce, Skamania, Whatcom and Whitman;

“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Judd said.

Small, non farm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4% for businesses and 3% for private, nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years, and are available to small businesses and most private, nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Judd said.

By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. Secretary Tom Vilsack declared this disaster at the request of Governor Chris Gregoire.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency (FSA) about the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling SBA toll-free at (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. The deadline to apply for these loans is June 13, 2012.

For more information, visit SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. SBA Field Operations Center - West, P.O. Box 419004, Sacramento, CA 95841

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Prepare/ Update Your Emergency Plan This October

OCT. 4, 2011-Yakima, WASH.

    As we approach fall/ winter weather Yakima Valley O.E.M. reminds you that when a major disaster occurs, it is unlikely that emergency response services will be able to immediately respond to everyone’s needs. It is important to be prepared to take care of your family. Plan to be on your own for at least three days.

This month start to prepare for any emergency if you have not done so already. You can do it by:

• Designate an out-of-area contact person. Try to select someone that is far enough away to not be affected by the same emergency. Provide this person with the names and contact information of the people you want to keep informed of your situation. Instruct family members to call this person and tell them where they are. Long distance phone service is often restored sooner than local service.

• Duplicate important documents and keep copies off-site, either in a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. Documents may include: passport, drivers license, social security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information, marriage license and prescriptions.

• Inventory valuables, in writing and with photographs or video. Keep copies of this information off-site with your other important documents.

• Make a family plan . Involve all key people in planning.

• Check your home for potential safety hazards.

• Put together a disaster kit . Plan to have supplies for yourself and your family for at least 3 days following a disaster.

• When planning, consider the special needs of kids, disabled, seniors, family members that don’t speak English and pets.

Learn more at our website: http://www.yakimacounty.us/oem/checklist.htm

federal disaster loans for residents/ business affected by White Swan Fire

(CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE YAKAMA NATION-WHITESWAN, WASH.)

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NEWS RELEASE -- Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Washington residents and business owners affected by the White Swan Fire that occurred February 12 - 13, 2011, in Yakima County, announced U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen G. Mills. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following the July 1 denial of the state’s appeal for a major disaster declaration.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Yakima County and the neighboring Washington counties of Benton, Grant, King, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Pierce and Skamania.

“The U. S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist those residents and businesses affected by the White Swan Fire with Federal disaster loans,” said Mills. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by the disaster,” said SBA’s Seattle District Director Nancy Porzio. “Beginning Wednesday, July 20, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Porzio continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary:

Yakima County
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Wilbur Memorial United Methodist Church
80 Curtis Street
White Swan, WA 98952

Open Wednesday, July 20, 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
and Thursday, July 21, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Interest rates can be as low as 2.563 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for private, non profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and applications are also available by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or on the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339.
The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is September 19, 2011. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 19, 2012.

Yakima County Small Stream Flood Advisory

Yakima County Small Stream Flood Advisory

(YAKIMA, WASH)

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PENDLETON :

* SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY FOR RAIN AND MELTING SNOW IN...

YAKIMA COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON….UNTIL 1115 AM PDT FRIDAY

* NUMEROUS SMALL STREAMS AND CREEKS ACROSS WESTERN YAKIMA COUNTY

HAVE SEEN RAPID RISES WITH MINOR FLOODING REPORTED ON COWICHE CREEK

AND WENAS CREEK.

ADDITIONAL RAINFALL OF 0.50 TO 1 INCHES IS EXPECTED ALONG THE CREST

OF THE CASCADES.  THE RAIN AND MILD TEMPERATURES WILL CONTINUE TO

CAUSE INCREASED RUNOFF WITH MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE ON THE SMALL

STREAMS AND CREEKS ACROSS WESTERN YAKIMA COUNTY.  THE WATER LEVELS

ARE EXPECTED TO DECREASE BY LATE FRIDAY.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL ACROSS FLOODED ROADS. FIND ALTERNATE ROUTES. IT TAKES ONLY A FEW INCHES OF SWIFTLY FLOWING WATER TO CARRY VEHICLES AWAY.

WHITE SWAN RECOVERY

-White Swan, Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation/ Washington State

Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management has received calls regarding questions and concerns about the White Swan Fire. While we supported efforts at the fire, we would like to remind readers that it did not occur directly with in our jurisdiction. It happened with in the confines of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.

     The Nation managed the incident. Our office and numerous valley First Responders supported the Yakama Nation, just like the Nation has and would support the cities of the valley in similar circumstance. The Yakama Nation as a sovereign entity, is in charge of this event. All questions regarding recovery efforts need to be directed toward the Tribe and the Yakima Nation Office of Emergency Management.

   If people would like to show there support to the victims of the White Swan Fire we have a list of donation sites and support events.Several places are accepting donations of money, clothing and other useful items for families affected by Saturday’s fire. Officials say the greatest needs are for children’s clothing and diapers. Locations and fundraisers include:



--Toppenish Armory, 326 S. Division St. The armory also will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner today.


--White Swan Methodist Church.


--Winter House in White Swan.


--The Trading Post in White Swan.


--EZ bucks in Toppenish and Wapato.


--Top Stop in Toppenish.


--The Yakama Nation has set up a bank account at Bank of America called White Swan Fire Relief Fund.


--The Wapato High School boys and girls basketball teams will hold a spaghetti fundraiser dinner from 5:30-8 p.m. today in the Wapato High School cafeteria.

Rivers Crest and Stay High-Update on Weekend Flooding

Yakima, WASH- Jan. 18, 2011


   As the Valley begins to dry out from a wet weekend, the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management asks all citizens to be mindful of flood safety.

   Yakima County rivers have crested and while river levels will stay high for the following day, they should then begin to recede.  Any non-agricultural business/ property damage that occurred as a result of the local flooding this weekend should be reported the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management at 509-574-1920.

   Yakima Office of Emergency Management reminds you of what you should be doing before, during, and after a flood:

Before

• Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and identify earthen, irrigation, hydro-electric, etc. dams, that are upstream from your area, and could be the source of potential problems.

• Know the terms "Flood Watch", "Flood Warning", and "Urban and Small Stream Warning".

• Plan what you would do if asked to evacuate.

• Consider purchasing flood insurance.

• Take steps to flood proof your home.

• Keep all insurance policies and your household inventory in a safe place.

During

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television stations for information.

• Be aware of streams, drainage canals and areas known to flood suddenly.

• People living in low-lying areas are encourage starting moving property away from the river bank and keep an eye on river levels. Motorists are also reminded not to drive through flooded areas, but instead to “turn around, don’t drown”.



• Livestock owners should also make sure higher ground is available for their animals, if living in flood prone areas.





• Secure your home. If time permits, secure items located outside the house.

• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.

• Fill your car with fuel.

• Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services are cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.

• Stay away from flood waters.

• Do NOT attempt to drive over flooded roads. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

After

• Stay away from flood waters.

• Stay away from moving water. Moving water six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

• Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded and may have weakened road surfaces.

• Stay away from and report downed power lines.

• Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.

• Continue listening to the radio for event and assistance information.

• Consider health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters.

• Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters.

• Call your insurance agent.

• Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home.

• Don't throw away damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.

• Report damages of property or business to local Emergency Management Office.

Report any Damage to Property

Yakima, WASH- Jan. 18, 2011

Flood Warnings have been cancelled by Pendleton Weather for the Naches river.(see below). While flooding in Yakima County was limited to a few locations, the Office of Emergency Management would like to ensure all incidents of damage to property/ business are recorded.

Reporting such incidents does not obligate citizens to participate in any state/ federal programs. The estimates of damage will be tallied up on county and state reports. If a specific threshold is reached possible funds could be made available to offset economic damages.

Any non-agricultural business/ property damage that occurred as a result of the local flooding this weekend should be reported the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management at 509-574-1920.

Reported damage can qualify private businesses and public infrastructure for numerous relief fund programs if a certain threshold is reached. The thresholds marks vary from program to program.  The first step in establishing what the county or the state will qualify for is to get an accurate estimate of what damage has occurred.

Category: Safety
Events: Flood
ResponseType: None
Urgency: Immediate
Severity: Extreme
Certainty: Observed
Audience:
EventCode: FLW
Effective: 2011-01-17T19:20:49-00:00
Onset: 2011-01-17T19:20:49-00:00
Expires: 2011-01-17T20:20:49-00:00
SenderName: State Emergency Operations Officer
Headline: Floow Warning--CANCELLED
Description: From NWS-Pendleton: the Flood Warning for the Naches River near Cliffdell is cancelled. ts/df
Instruction: From NWS-Pendleton: the Flood Warning for the Naches River near Cliffdell is cancelled. ts/df

Heavy Precipitation Forecasted for Yakima Valley

Yakima, WA-
Heavy precipitation is forecast from today into the weekend for our area. The big questions will  be if it changes from snow to rain, how warm it will get, and whether rain will continue into Monday. The Pendleton Weather Office issued a hydrological outlook for possible small stream flooding in the Blue Mountains (Walla Walla area).

Though the NW River Forecast Center did not show much "river rise" in the forecast today, we recommend checking again as we get closer to the weekend.


Those living in flood prone areas should follow the weather reports, and keep an eye on the creek or river conditions local to their area.

                                                                        #

Links:

River Forecast Center, http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/ - also the “Discussion” link now includes maps with temperature and precipitation forecasts.

Pendleton NWS Office, http://newweb.wrh.noaa.gov/pdt/

Bureau of Reclamation Yakima Status, http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima/yakstats.txt


Long term forecast from the Pendleton NWS Office:
.LONG TERM...THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...THE MAIN FORECAST

CONCERN WITH THE EARLY PART OF THE EXTENDED IS THE HIGH SNOW LEVELS

AND THE HEAVY RAIN POTENTIAL. A VERY MOIST SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE TO

MOVE THROUGH THE AREA ON THURSDAY. SNOW LEVELS WILL ALSO BE ON THE

RISE WITH MOST OF THE AREA RECEIVING RAIN WITH THIS SYSTEM.

PRECIPITATION TOTALS OF AROUND AN INCH ARE POSSIBLE ALONG THE

CASCADE CREST AND AROUND A HALF INCH OF ADDITIONAL PRECIPITATION ON

THURSDAY FOR THE BLUE MOUNTAINS. WILL NEED TO MONITOR THE SITUATION

FOR RISES IN THE LOCAL RIVERS. THE RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE OFF THE

WEST COAST WILL THEN BUILD NORTHWARD...PUSHING THE MOISTURE STREAM

NORTH INTO MAINLY WASHINGTON BY FRIDAY. THERE IS UNCERTAINTY HOWEVER

IN HOW FAR NORTH THE MOISTURE WILL BE PUSHED...THEREFORE HAVE LEFT A

CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION ACROSS PORTIONS OF OREGON WITH THE BETTER

CHANCE FOR THE NORTHEAST MOUNTAINS (UNDER UPSLOPE FLOW) AND IN

WASHINGTON WHERE THE BAND OF MOISTURE WILL BE LOCATED. BY FRIDAY

NIGHT...ANOTHER DISTURBANCE WILL MOVE THROUGH THE NORTHWESTERLY

FLOW...BRINGING A ROUND OF RAIN FOR THE ENTIRE REGION. SNOW LEVELS

WILL REMAIN 5000-6000 FEET INTO THE WEEKEND. PRECIPITATION WILL

REMAIN POSSIBLE ON SATURDAY...BUT THE NEXT DISTURBANCE WILL PUSH

THROUGH THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST SATURDAY NIGHT FOR AN INCREASED THREAT

OF RAIN AND HIGH ELEVATION RAIN AND SNOW. DMH



SUNDAY THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT...MODELS CONTINUE TO INDICATE WIDESPREAD

MOISTURE ACROSS THE INTERIOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST. AND ALTHOUGH IT IS

TOO SOON TO TELL...MODELS ARE BEGINNING TO INDICATE A FAVORABLE

PATTERN FOR DOWNSLOPE WINDS. SINCE WIND DRIVEN EVENTS DON`T USUALLY







HAVE HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF PRECIPITATION...THIS PRESENTS A

CHALLENGE FOR POPS. AS IT STANDS HAVE KEPT POPS IN THE LIKELY

CATEGORY FOR THE EAST SLOPES OF THE CASCADES AND CHANCE TO LIKELY

ALONG THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHEAST OREGON. THE LOWER ELEVATIONS HAVE

BEEN REDUCED 20 TO 30 POPS SINCE THAT IS THE AREA MOST LIKELY TO SEE

WIND AND LITTLE TO NO RAIN. RIGHT NOW THE BEST CHANCE FOR STRONG

WINDS LOOKS TO BE MONDAY AFTERNOON BUT THIS COULD CHANGE FROM DAY TO

DAY. HIGH TEMPERATURES CONTINUE TO LOOK WELL ABOVE FREEZING FOR THE

EXTENDED AND MAY EVEN REACH THE LOWER 50S ACROSS THE FOOTHILLS AND

THE LOWER COLUMBIA BASIN...AS STRONG SOUTHERLY WIND KEEPS WARM AIR

ADVECTION OVER THE AREAS. WEBER

The Washington State Fusion Center


From time to time our office is asked, “what should I do if I see something that might jeopardize homeland security?”. If it is something that local law enforcement will not act upon, report it to the Washington State Fusion Center. Below is some more information:

The Washington State Fusion Center supports activities to detect, deter, and prevent terrorism. This is accomplished through information collection, integration, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of analytical reports and other information across Federal, State, and Local government agencies, public officials, and private sector critical infrastructure key resource partners.

If you see something, say something! Report suspicious activity immediately to local authorities by calling
9-1-1.The Washington State Fusion Center would like to receive reports of activity and incidents that are reasonably indicative of pre-operational planning related to terrorist activity. {Explanation of reporting categories}

Contact us directly via the Interactive Suspicious Activity Reporting Form {Form Click Here}, WSFC Intake Hotline: 1-877-843-9522, e-mail: intake@wsfc.wa.gov, or fax: 206-262-2014

With your help, we can stop a crime or a terrorist plot.

Submit a tip form: (click here)