Welcome to Skagit County

January 18th, 2005

RED CROSS GEARING UP FOR FLOODING IN TWO COUNTIES

The Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross has been on flood alert since mid-day Monday. With a series of storms predicted to produce a significant amount of rain on top of melting snow, both Skagit County and Whatcom County are under a flood warning. It is expected that over the course of the next 72 hours, multiple communities in the Chapter’s extensive service area will be impacted by rising waters.

Currently, more than 100 Red Cross volunteers are on stand-by and a dozen volunteers have been working since early this morning to map out immediate response logistics. This includes preparation to open shelters, as well as mass distribution of food and hydration for evacuees and response personnel.

“Preparation is the key to making a two-county Red Cross response work,” stated Randy Scott, the Mt. Baker Chapter’s Director of Disaster and Emergency Services. “Though flooding may not reach critical levels for another day or two, we have to move now to make sure that families have a place to go if they find themselves forced to evacuate. Waiting until the moment of crisis is upon us is not how our Chapter operates. We’ve got to be prepared for the worst now and hope for the best as the situation unfolds.” According to Scott, numerous households in flood prone areas in both counties have chosen to self-evacuate and families are seeking Red Cross assistance. The Chapter has already identified between 50 and 75 people that require shelter and meals, and their needs are being met. Noon meals have also been provided for as many as 25 response personnel. It is unknown how many may ultimately be affected by current and impending flooding but the Chapter is ready to provide shelter and meals for as many people as necessary.

Shelters are being readied in Skagit County at the Hamilton Baptist Church and at a location in Concrete yet to be announced. A third shelter is on stand by in Whatcom County. An emergency response vehicle is on loan from the Snohomish Chapter to assist with mass distribution of food. The Mt. Baker Chapter is working closely with the Department of Emergency Management in both counties and has been in meetings at the emergency operations center for Skagit County since early this morning.

Though the Red Cross is responding to some flooding in the Marietta area, the situation in Whatcom County appears to be stable for the moment. The Chapter will continue to communicate with the Department of Emergency Management and closely monitor weather and river conditions. With some Skagit Valley residents already seeking shelter, and with continuing rainfall expected in the area, the Mt. Baker Chapter is in active response mode in Skagit County. “This looks to be a protracted situation,” commented Scott. “The most important thing we can do is to prepare. Things can change on a dime and the Red Cross is ready to respond.”