It has been a difficult few days for our region as many folks were forced to evacuate and in some instances have lost their homes. I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to those who are coping with the loss and devastation that has ravaged our communities. I commend the first responders who have been on the front lines.
We have a long recovery facing us, and I felt it was imperative that I provide some contact information that may be beneficial to those who are in immediate need of assistance.
Gov. Jay Inslee signed an emergency declaration on Saturday that will help. As of last check, more than 10,000 acres have burned in the cities of Medical Lake and Elk. Also, over 185 structures in Medical Lake and 30 structures in Elk have burned.
Below are some links to state and local resources you can reference and share with others who may need them.
- The Washington Emergency Management Division
- Spokane County Emergency Management
- Emergency Alert and Warning Notifications for Spokane County – Register for ALERT Spokane
- Spokane County
- Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
- Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to apply for a variety of services such as food, cash, child care, long-term care, and Medicare savings programs.
- Enter basic household information to find out if you qualify and you can apply for a variety of services and assistance online.
- Washington Connection will let you know what programs or services you or your family may be qualified to receive from various state, federal or local sources.
- People can apply in person at a local CSO (Office Locator | DSHS (wa.gov)) or by calling the Customer Services Contact Center at 877-501-2233.
- Basic Food
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, called Basic Food in Washington, helps people with low incomes make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to buy food.
- If you receive SNAP food benefits and you lost your SNAP food, because of the fires, you should qualify for replacement benefits. It is my understanding that you only have 10 days to request replacement benefits. I urge you to contact your local DSHS office to verify that and start the process of receiving your new SNAP benefits.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, called Basic Food in Washington, helps people with low incomes make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to buy food.
Additional helpful websites include:
- Department of Ecology – Wildfire Smoke Information
- Washington’s Air Quality Network – Air Monitoring Program
- Department of Natural Resources – Wildfire Incident Information
- Washington State Department of Health – Emergencies
- Washington Department of Transportation – Real Time Travel Map
If I can provide any assistance in contacting a state agency, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.