Residents who sustained property damage and losses from the recent flooding, landslides and severe winter storm can apply for federal financial help in person.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened its first disaster-recovery center, inside Auburn’s SuperMall, two days after President Obama declared a disaster in eight Western Washington counties.
Residents of King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties are eligible to pursue grants or low-interest loans for damage sustained between Jan. 6 and 16.
The center hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Applications also can be made by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
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City advises residents, businesses to review coverage
The City of Auburn is advising residents and businesses to review their insurance coverage to ensure appropriate coverage are in affect.
Homeowners and renters should check to see if their policies cover flood and water damage, land movement and general storm damage. Businesses should check for the same coverage, but also ensure they have coverage to cover lost revenues as well.
Auburn residents can purchase flood insurance at reduced rates due to the City’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Everyone can purchase flood insurance, regardless of whether they live in a flood plain. Additional information on flood insurance can be found at www.floodsmart.gov.
“We’ve seen several cases recently in Auburn where residents were not able to receive assistance from their insurance from damage caused by water damage, landslides, and sinkholes,” said Sarah Miller, emergency preparedness manager. “Many policies specifically exclude damage caused by these types of events.”
Proper coverage is critical, as FEMA resources are generally only available to cover immediate life safety issues and any additional assistance comes in the form of low-interest loans or assistance from non-profit organizations, Miller advises.
The City is also encouraging insurance agents to reach out to their clients in Auburn to review policy coverage and ensure that critical needs can be met immediately after an event.
More information on disaster preparedness can be found on the City website at www.auburnwa.gov/disaster or by contacting the Emergency Management Office at 253-876-1925.
