King County continues clean up efforts, transitions to recovery from earthquake

The King County Office of Emergency Management reports tonight that it is now transitioning to a full-scale recovery phase following Wednesday’s earthquake and will remain operational throughout the weekend. Efforts will include directing disaster victims to file claims with FEMA. Those claims can be filed by calling 1-800-462-9029. These reports will be necessary to receive assistance ranging from low interest loans and housing assistance to grants to low-income residents in some cases.

King County also continues to assist cities, governments and other organizations in adding up cost estimates for damage done to public facilities and losses suffered by selected non-profit agencies. This information will help agencies receive federal reimbursement for losses. State and federal officials are currently working to establish a disaster field office to coordinate recovery efforts for declared counties. That field office is expected to be operational on Monday.

The Office of Emergency Management also reports tonight that most county facilities, roads and utilities are secure. Some facilities such as the King County International Airport continue to operate in a limited capacity (see individual updates below). And, King County and other agencies continue to conduct assessments to identify the extent of damages. These assessments may uncover additional damage in the coming days and weeks.

"The fact that we are transitioning to a recovery phase within only a two-day period is indicative of the state of King County government’s level of preparedness before the quake struck," Office of Emergency Management Manager Eric Holdeman said. "But we also recognize we were extremely lucky - this deep earthquake shook us up but it did not severely hurt us. Our experience should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to change our lifestyle to one that includes preparing for the next disaster."

As recovery efforts get underway, King County reports the following information updates:

• Damage Information Hotline: Individuals and businesses should file damage reports directly with FEMA. The toll free number is 1 (800) 462-9029 or TTY 1 (800) 462-7585. Information on damage reporting is also available on the web site at www.metrokc.gov. The King County Damage Hotline is now closed. Individuals are advised that they need to call the FEMA Hotline even if they already reported damage to the King County line.

• King County Airport (Boeing Field): King County Airport has announced it has increased take off limits. Inspections of pavement by the Federal Aviation Administration and structural engineers determined that larger aircraft can now safely take off from King County International Airport, though they are not yet approved for landing. The change in runway availability increases the take off limit to up to 110,000 pounds for single axle aircraft and 220,000 pounds for tandem aircraft, up from 30,000 pounds. The maximum for landing aircraft is 35,000 pounds. All pilots are advised to check NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) regularly for any updated information. Structural inspection determined that the terminal was safe and it has been reopened.

• King County Facilities: The King County Courthouse has been inspected and deemed safe for the public and employees to occupy. The Courthouse will be open to the public Monday, March 5. An engineering firm inspected the Courthouse immediately following Wednesday’s earthquake and found no structural damage. Employees of the Executive Departments, Prosecuting Attorney, County Council and the Sheriff’s Office are expected to report to work as usual Monday morning. Superior and District Courts will make a separate announcement regarding the resumption of their normal operations. In other County facility information, the King County Administration Building has also been deemed safe for occupancy and will be open for business Monday. The Yesler building, floors one through six, will be open as well Monday morning. The Regional Justice Center in Kent is also open.

Updated: March 2, 2001