The Flooding of King County

So if any of you have been following King County lately you probably noticed there's been a lot of talk about floods. Mynorthwest.com is running an article today about how the county is so concerned about flooding they're actually moving the elections office after not even being there for two years. I think it's time that we all get VERY concerned.

I'm starting to think that they're not disclosing everything they know. Floods happen in the Puget Sound area pretty much every year, so why now are they so concerned about it? Howard Hansen Dam.

In a great piece by the Seattle PI last week they stated the impact could include "The cities of Auburn, Kent and Tukwila could be anywhere from four to 10 feet underwater if storms are severe."

We are facing what could be a major deluge and I don't think that the county is doing enough to inform the public about the potential dangers. Yes they're trying to get the word out through "Preparedness Meetings" But this isn't enough. So to everyone out there if you have friends or family living in valleys of south King County I strongly urge you to make sure they are aware of what this coming flood season could mean for them.

There are many things that can be done to help minimize the devastation. First and foremost, if flood becomes imminent EVACUATE!!! Don't be the ones who get caught on the roof of your house because you didn't think it was going to be as bad as they say. It will be that bad. Just try to think about going to a swimming pool and imagine what it's like treading in 10 foot deep water.

Secondly make sure that you have a plan before it happens. Work it out with friends or family so that you'll have a safe place to stay away from the flood waters. By setting something up before hand you can cut down on the number of people who are going to be flocking to local shelters. And lets be honest, wouldn't you rather crash on your parents floor than deal with the insanity that is emergency shelters?

The last thing that I'm going to encourage everyone to do is contact your elected officials. Let them know that you're aware of the danger facing the region and that it is unacceptable to wait around for it to happen. This is a potential tragedy that can be PREVENTED! If the county can't fix the problem than the state and federal government needs to step up and protect the people. Below is a list of contact information for people that are in a position to stop this from happening:


Jay Inslee, US Representative 1st Dist
Rick Larsen, US Representative 2nd Dist
Brian Baird, US Representative 3rd Dist
Doc Hastings, US Representative 4th Dist
Cathy McMorris, US Representative 5th Dist
Norm Dicks, US Representative 6th Dist
Jim McDermott, US Representative 7th Dist
Dave Richert, US Representative 8th Dist
Adam Smith, US Representatative 9th Dist

***If you don't live in King County please still contact your representative. This is going to affect all of Washington state not just King County.***

Patty Murray, US Senator
Maria Cantwell, US Senator

Christine Gregoire, Washington State Govenor

Barack Obama, President

If any of you are interested in sending in a letter but aren't sure what to say contact me and I'll put together a sample letter.