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King County
Executive Office
Ron Sims, King County Executive 701 Fifth Ave. Suite 3210 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-4040 Fax: 206-296-0194 TTY Relay: 711
Image: King County Exeutive Ron Sims, News Release

Dec. 5, 2007

Residents and businesses can report damages online

Safety is key as cleanup continues around King County

Residents and businesses of King County can now report all damage and loss estimates online at www.kingcounty.gov/prepare, or by calling 1-800-523-5044.

The online reporting forms are available 24 hours a day until further notice.

The damage hotline will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. weekdays until further notice. Due to high call volumes, there may be delays in answering your call to the toll-free hotline listed. Please continue to call or use the online form. Thank you for your patience.

This information is being collected in order to assist the Washington State Emergency Management Division in requesting federal assistance because of this disaster. It may be several weeks before a determination is made by officials as to what disaster relief programs may be available. This reporting of damages is not a guarantee that residents will receive assistance of any kind. Should a federal declaration be announced for this weather event, additional information will be provided on how property owners are to file claims with FEMA.

Cleanup safety

As the cleanup begins, residents are urged to take the following safety precautions:

For flooded basements, begin to clean up after the flooding subside:

  • Open all doors and windows to allow the moisture to flow outside. A de-humidifier will speed up drying.
  • If you are sensitive to mold or mildew, wear a mask or respirator containing an appropriate filter.
  • Never turn on wet electric appliances because they may cause an electric shock, overheat, or start a fire.
  • Mop concrete floor and walls with a bleach solution (3/4 cups of household bleach to a gallon of water). Rinse and dry after 5 minutes.
  • Open windows when applying the bleach solution.
  • If you suspect that your well was flooded, be sure to get a laboratory test to ensure your drinking water is free from contamination.

For households on septic systems

  • Septic tank systems that have been flooded should not be used.
  • After waters have receded, check the system for broken lines or surfacing sewage.
  • Correct any problems before using the system.

More information on both topics (in multiple languages) at http://www.metrokc.gov/health/disaster/.

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  Updated: Dec. 6, 2007