Property and business owners encouraged to submit damage
reports from winter storm
Web page and call center open
through January 31, 2012
The
recent winter storm had impacts across a wide swath of King County. Residents
and businesses that suffered property damage or other losses in the storm may
be eligible for assistance to get their property back in order. Eligibility is
determined through a damage assessment process which takes into account the
total reported losses within King County.
In
order to compute the losses, individuals and businesses are encouraged to
submit reports to the King County Office of Emergency Management (OEM). A
webpage, www.kingcounty.gov/damage,
is now open to receive damage reports for individuals and businesses in King
County. In addition, a hotline number, 1-800-523-5044, is
also open for individuals and businesses to record a damage report during
business hours. These two reporting systems will be open until 5:00 p.m. on
January 31. Submitting a report to OEM does not guarantee reimbursement. (Online Form or PDF Worksheet.)
Damage
reports are for uninsured losses. Before filing
a damage report with OEM, residents and business owners should contact their
insurance provider about existing coverage and deductibles. They are also urged
to document damage with photographs and keep records of all cleanup and repair
costs.
Residents
in unincorporated King County whose homes were damaged in the storm can obtain
free building inspections from the King County Department of Development and
Environmental Services (DDES). DDES has waived the associated fee to help
residents speed up repair to their property. Priority service will be given for
damaged structures requiring permits for repair work.
Inspectors
will evaluate the integrity of structures, assess if a structure is safe to
occupy, and whether a permit is required for repair work. Inspection staff may
also advise customers of the need to pursue a more detailed inspection from a
licensed structural engineer to determine the full extent of the damage. While
storm damage inspections are free, standard permit fees still apply.
To
request a damage assessment inspection during business hours, call
206-296-6630. DDES operates Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. For minor repairs,
permits can be issued over the counter at the DDES offices at 900 Oakesdale
Ave. SW in Renton.
For
residents who are in the process of removing yard waste and woody debris, trash
haulers have advised their customers that they can set out twice the normal
amounts on their next collections day. To identify your trash hauler, or
companies that recycle wood, visit www.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste.
Additionally,
some cities are scheduling special storm debris drop-off events/locations.
Contact your city for that information.
For
more information about the storm recovery effort, check www.kingcounty.gov.
Added on 01/27/2012
Filed Under
Black Diamond News,
Bulletins and Alerts,
Maple Valley News by Chamber blog
