Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
County staff assesses property damages
Mason County commissioners declared a state of emergency due to the snowstorm and low temperatures at an emergency meeting Jan. 5.
According to the declaration of emergency, designated departments are authorized to enter into contracts and agreements to combat the emergency for the health and safety of people and property and to provide emergency assistance to the victims. It allows the departments to meet the demands without procedures or formalities prescribed by law. It lasts until Jan. 19.
Commissioner Kevin Shutty thanked Hoodsport Fire and EMS Chief Michael Sexton for getting in touch with the county and informing the county of problems in the Lake Cushman area.
“(I) definitely appreciate the position that he and his responders are in and really hopeful that we can help out in a meaningful way,” Shutty said. “Thanks to everybody from our road crews to the PUDs and all of our first responders for really digging in and trying to dig out and get people back up and running with power countywide but in particular, up the 101 corridor between Hoodsport and the county line. It’s been a tough week and I know people are running on limited sleep and resources and just whatever we can do to lend in on a one-county response, hopefully we can be there to do that for you.”
The Mason County Department of Emergency Management released a statement Jan. 6 to Lake Cushman area residents stating the increased rain combined with heavy snow is creating a significant risk of structural collapse in the area. The risk comes from “snow loading,” which is rain adding to a large amount of snow on a roof, which
increases the weight of snow on a building, with estimated weights between 20 and 50 pounds per square foot.
Residents are encouraged to look for imminent signs of structural collapse, including sagging roofs, creaking or cracking noises coming from your home, cracks in the walls or ceiling or bulging walls. Anyone who suspects their home is at risk of imminent collapse, grab any essential medications and warm clothing and evacuate your home until it is deemed safe.
If you have to evacuate your home and need a place to shelter, Station 18 is set up as a warming shelter for the public, and people are asked to contact 360-877-9882 to ensure availability.
Residents in the Skokomish Valley area in flood-prone areas were asked to evacuate immediately Jan. 6 or shelter in place for 72 hours. The 800 line and Ells Hill Road were closed and inaccessible. Floodwaters reached more than 17.75 feet on Friday.
Mason County inspection staff are available to property owners to assess damage due to recent weather, according to a news release.
County property owners have experienced damage due to weather. County inspection staff are able to do damage assessment as needed. Inspection staff will be notified and sent out for review of structure conditions and an evaluation of buildings to ensure safe occupancy in coordination with the County
Emergency Operations Center and the Department of Community Development.
Property owners can contact the permit assistance center at 360-427-9670 ext. 352 or email [email protected] for more information.
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