Resources for Members Impacted By Flooding & Extreme Weather
Many of our union siblings across Western Washington are facing historic flooding and other exteme weather disasters.
- On January 6, President Biden granted Governor Inslee’s request for federal disaster funding in Northwest Washington.
- Evacuations were ordered in hard-hit communities in Mason County due to risk of flooding, landslides, and risk of avalanches.
- A 20-mile stretch of I-5 near Chehalis has been closed as well, and public officials ask that travel be delayed.
- All major mountain passes were closed.
- The Red Cross reported that shelter occupancy in Southwest Washington jumped from 8 to 49 people during the first day of flooding.
Stay safe and remember that we're stronger together. Read on for resources if you are in a crisis zone and for ways to help others if you can.
Need immediate assistanCE?
- Apply for cash assistance from the Foundation for Working Families, a nonprofit supported by WFSE that assists union families in Washington.
- Northwest Red Cross: Call 1-800-RedCross for help.
- Call the WA 211 line to be connected to local, public and community resources in your area.
- Find open shelters through the Red Cross or view statewide and county shelters.
- Access free and confidential help through the WA State Employee Assistance Program.
- Apply for aid for affected residents and business owners at DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362.
What can we do to be prepared and stay safE?
Stay informed and monitor evacuation updates near you. Follow evacuation orders if they are issued for your area—don’t wait!
- What To Do During a Flood
- WA Department of Health resource on preparing for a flood
- For the latest updates on road closures and transportation, follow the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Twitter or visit the the WSDOT blog.
- Follow Washington Emergency Management on Twitter.
- Sign up for community alerts.
- Mason County Alerts
- List of all Washington county emergency alert services
- Planning to submit an insurance claim for flood damage? Check out these tips.
Be prepared.
Have a "go bag" ready in case you do need to evacuate. Include valuables, prescription medicines, phone chargers, an emergency blanket, non-perishable food, potable water, and comfort items for children.
Keep your gas tank full if possible.
Designate a reliable check-in person outside the crisis zone. Make sure this person has your emergency contacts, so they can let loved ones know you are okay, or that you have not been heard from.
We’re stronger together.
Folks recovering from these natural disasters will need our help and support. If you’re in a position to donate, please consider the Foundation for Working Families. You can donate online here or mail a check to Foundation for Working Families at 321 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144.