Take Steps to Get 'Flood Smart' This Flood Awareness Week [The Chronicle, Centralia, Wash.]

Chronicle, The (Centralia, WA)

Oct. 25—With last week being "Flood Awareness Week" in Thurston County, county leaders are encouraging residents to check their emergency kits, make plans with family members and get flood insurance before disaster strikes in preparation for winter storms.

Floods are the most common natural hazard in Thurston County, a news release stated, with an average annual rainfall of 50 inches. Since 1962, there have been 18 federal disaster declarations in the county.

"We're focusing this week on encouraging residents to get flood insurance now before storm season sets in," said Sandy Eccker, Thurston County Emergency Management manager, in the release. "There's a 30-day waiting period once you make your first premium payment, so there's no time to waste. Get your flood insurance today."

According to the release, residents of unincorporated Thurston County can get as much as a 40% discount for flood insurance for properties in special flood hazard areas. And there is a 10% discount offered for properties not in a special flood hazard area. Visit the county's Flood Plans & Insurance webpage online at www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning/Pages/flood-insurance.aspx to learn more.

Other than getting flood insurance, folks can sign up for Thurston Community Alert (TCAlert), the county's official emergency notification system. They can also create a Smart911 profile that gives emergency responders important, sometimes life-saving, information. Create a profile while signing up for TCAlert online at tcalert.org.

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