Preventing & Reducing Flooding

• Take steps to prevent or reduce damage for flood-prone property. 
• Read the Whatcom County Flood Newsletter, Flooding in Whatcom County: What to do Before, During, and After a Flood.
• The DEM hosts an annual meeting each October to review flood response procedures.

Evaluating Flooding Conditions

• The Nooksack River basin is divided into sectors with assigned observers, the "eyes in the field." 
• Observers travel throughout assigned sectors, reporting actual conditions in the field in order to coordinate effective flood responses.
• River & Flood staff work with DEM and Maintenance and Operations staff to prioritize problem areas and evaluate possible actions to minimize actions.
• Appropriate measures are taken to ensure public safety and minimize the loss of public and private property.
• People and equipment may be mobilized to fight the flood.
• The county trains volunteers to assist with sandbagging operations.

Agencies Involved in Emergency Response

• Army Corps of Engineers
• British Columbia Ministry of Environment
• Fire departments within cities impacted by flooding
• Fire departments within unincorporated Whatcom County impacted by flooding
• Local media
• National Weather Service
• Police departments within cities impacted by flooding
• Red Cross
• Washington Department of Transportation
• Whatcom County Maintenance and Operations Division
• Whatcom County Sheriff's Office