Resources available in the upper valley amid recent storms

CHELAN COUNTY — More wind and rain are forecasted this week, days after heavy rainfall and severe winds resulted in hundreds of downed trees, floods, and power outages across the upper valley. As residents manage storm damage amid ongoing weather, a number of public resources are available to help.

Storm Cleanup

Eastside Rebuild has volunteers on standby for free assistance with cleanup, debris removal, or chainsaw work. Residents who have downed trees or limbs, storm debris or areas that need clearing to stay safe or accessible can contact Eastside Rebuild General Manager Luke Dixon at 832-724-6869 or luke@wasteloop.org.

Eastside Rebuild also stocks sump pumps, chainsaws, come-a-longs, and other tools for rent, and offers repairs for tools involved in relief efforts. The organization is also procuring materials for those in need, such as tarps, sump pumps, chainsaw parts, plywood, sheathing, 2x lumber, metal roofing, underlayment, flooring and roof patching materials. Eastside Rebuild will pick up materials from those wishing to donate.

Cascadia Conservation District and the City of Leavenworth have also partnered to provide free wood chipping services. Residents can contact Cascadia Forest Program Manager Patrick Hagerty directly to get placed on the chipping list: (509) 306-3639 or patrickh@cascadiacd.org.

Cascadia asks that residents make small, manageable piles of wood for quick and efficient chipping. Branches should also be placed in order, with all the cut ends (or the “butts”) facing the same direction.

Cascadia also has a list of local contractors available to assist will tree debris removal for situations that require technical skills and expertise.

Free Inspections in City of Leavenworth

According to the City of Leavenworth, severely damaged homes from the storm should be inspected to ensure the damage does not threaten life-safety, determine the extent of damage, and decide what actions are required. The city is offering free inspections and help with permits if repairs are needed. City residents can arrange an inspection with Building Division staff: (509) 548-5275 or building@cityofleavenworth.com. The City of Leavenworth added that the free inspections can help meet inspection requirements from insurance companies.

FEMA Financial Assistance

Individuals and businesses who have suffered losses as a result of the recent storm should fill out a Damage Assessment form to begin the process for FEMA financial assistance. The form is available in both English and Spanish on the Chelan County Emergency Management website. Government agencies and municipalities should work directly with Emergency Management. 

As of Dec. 15, the federal government has not approved financial assistance for individuals. However, Chelan County officials are hopeful that with enough documentation, FEMA will approve assistance for Chelan County residents.

Fill the form out once for each location where damage occurred; do not combine multiple locations into one form. If you need help filling out the form, call Emergency Management at 509-667-6863 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Internet

Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue has set up Starlink at Plain Hardware for Plain and Lake Wenatchee residents to use for free. The Wifi password is available at the Plain Hardware counter.

Additionally, the Leavenworth Community Workspace is open to the public this week and net. The workspace is still working on restoring internet, but has power and heat. Those planning to set up at the workspace should bring a personal hotspot. The Leavenworth Community Workspace is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. An update will be provided on Facebook when internet is restored. The workspace asks that visitors use headphones for calls and cleanup after themselves. Additionally, the conference rooms are available, but users should not “camp out” in them. It is located at 217 8th Street (above Woody's); questions can be directed to info@leavenworthworkspace.com.

Power Outages

Chelan PUD has an outage map for latest outage updates, and also shares updates via Facebook and Twitter. 

Residents can report outages by calling the PUD’s 24-hour hotline: 877-783-8123. If you hear a recording, the PUD asks that you stay on the line if you have information about the location of a downed tree, power problem or have a special need.

In rare instances, the PUD says items can be damaged by voltage fluctuations when power is restored. In the event of a power outage, unplug electronics, turn off the heat/furnace, and shut off the circuit breaker to your hot water heater. Leave one porch and/or an indoor light on to indicate to PUD crews that the power has been restored. 

Keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible, and check the thermometer before using any food. If the fridge is still at or below 40 degrees Farenheit, or the food has been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or less, it should be safe to eat according to the FDA. Keep windows, drapes and doors closed to conserve heat, and conserve water where well pumps and pumping stations may be without power. Conserve water, especially in areas where well pumps and pumping stations may be without power.

After power is restored, Chelan PUD advises waiting 30 minutes before turning these items back on. This reduces strain on the system as power is restored to the area and can prevent longer outages. For extended outages, visit Chelan PUD’s website for additional tips.

Sand bags

Free sand bag materials are available at Chelan County public works sites. The gates will be open at Cashmere Public Works shop from 4:30 a.m. to 7p.m. during the week: 5815 Wescott Drive. At the Leavenworth shop, the sand pits and bags are located outside the gates and can be accessed at any time: 10210 County Shop Road.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media