The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) encouraged the public to take all necessary steps in preparing for natural and human-caused disasters as it officially kicked off Thurston Flood Awareness Week.
During its Tuesday, October 18, meeting, the board said county residents and agencies should be educated and prepared for flood safety and property protection measures.
The BOCC also urged its residents to obtain disaster-related information through the county’s alert notification system, fact sheets, and training.
Residents can also subscribe to the county website, social media sites, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Weather Radio, which includes the Emergency Alert System broadcasts.
Ben Miller Todd, Thurston’s Interim Director for Emergency Services, reported that floods for the past 30 years have claimed the lives of about 90 people and caused around $8 billion in damages.
“Programs have helped reduce flood damage and encourage property owners and residents in flood Hazard areas to obtain reduced flood insurance to be better prepared financially in case of flooding,” said Todd.
Todd said the Thurston County Emergency Management would be testing its emergency alert and notification system this week.
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