This event happened on March 22, 2014. Locally this event is called the SR 530 Flooding and Mudslide Incident. It has only been six months since this terrible tragedy, but there are lessons to be shared. The information below is a direct quote of what they did and have learned along the way.
"Snohomish County recognized the long term recovery from the SR 530 Flooding and Mudslide Incident was going to be complex and extensive. The recovery team was established on Day 11 of the incident and six month later continues to work recovery efforts.
Some things to be aware of when planning for recovery from a localized incident:
· A long term recovery task force of about 25 core individuals was customized for this incident. For the first couple months, many of these high level directors or managers were devoting nearly full time to this effort, while also maintaining responsibility for their departments/sections.
· The National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) is designed for federal agencies responding to a large catastrophic incident. Locals can use it as a guide, but will need to adapt it to their organizational structure and incident needs.
· Many funding opportunities beyond FEMA programs are available that require staff time to apply for and financial matches to secure. (HUD, EDA, NEG, to name a few)
· Designation and development of an official memorial site takes time and support from those directly impacted. “Ad hoc” memorials have been created throughout the community, but have not necessarily been coordinated with the community.
· Legal issues related to property ownership and personal representative identification can be complex and time consuming.
· The incident will drive the priorities and projects related to recovery, a flexible framework will go farther than a plan.
· Establishing a policy level decision making process and leader early on in recovery is key to the long-term success of the effort.
Communication is a critical component of recovery:
· The recovery team manager sends out a weekly email to a controlled distribution list for families of victims, survivors, property owners, and a few select people to keep them informed of the county’s efforts and progress.
· The county established a dedicated email address, Facebook page, and Twitter account specific to the SR530 Slide that is monitored daily by the members of the team.
· These resources have built trust and confidence in the county’s efforts.
Some of the planning efforts that are being developed or enhanced include:
· Long-term disaster mental health support
· Personal property reunification
· Debris management when human remains and personal property are present
· Mass missing persons reporting procedures
· Developing a process for building a commemorative memorial
Next Steps
· Facilitate a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMPG) voluntary buyout of properties once FEMA allocates funds.
· At six months post incident, a memorial planning team, including families, will initiate development of a permanent long-term commemorative memorial.
· Continue to provide resources to responders and the community related to mental health care and support.
· Document all efforts, lessons learned, and positives for incorporation in a long-term recovery framework.
Every incident is unique, so developing a flexible recovery strategy that can apply to a local incident or a catastrophic regional incident will serve a local government well."
