Drafter
Clerk 07/08/2025
Title
A MOTION relating to expanding flood preparedness outreach and education activities and best management practices for flood risk reduction.
Body
WHEREAS, more than 100 people died and at least 41 people are missing as a result of the devastating flash floods in central Texas, and
WHEREAS, flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to the United States in all months of the year, and
WHEREAS, flooding typically occurs when prolonged rain falls over several days, when intense rain falls over a short period of time, or as a result of the failure of flood risk reduction infrastructure due to damage, and
WHEREAS, approximately 75% of all Presidential Disaster Declarations are associated with flooding and flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event, and
WHEREAS, flooding is the most common and costliest natural disaster in King County with 29 presidentially declared flooding disasters occurring since 1956 and smaller flood events occurring almost annually, and
WHEREAS, working to protect residents, businesses, and property from injury and damage caused by natural disasters is a vital role of government, and
WHEREAS, flood preparedness outreach and education, and early notification systems enable the public to understand the different types of flood hazards and know the actions to take before, during, and after a flood, and
WHEREAS, the King County Flood Control Zone District's ("District") mission is to implement flood risk reduction polices and projects to protect life and property while advancing various benefits including equity and social justice, sustainable livelihoods, habitat protection, salmon recovery, recreation, and resilient communities, and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of its mission, the District annually publishes a countywide Be Flood Ready Brochure and funds many flood preparedness activities and educational programs in King County, including dam safety activities of King County's office of emergency management and direct communication with residents about the flood buyout program, as well as the flood event response activities of King County's water and land resources division, including King County's Flood Warning Center, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors desires to increase these efforts to respond to flood hazards in the community through additional outreach and education;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE KING COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT:
A. The District executive director shall investigate opportunities to expand the District's flood preparedness outreach and education programs including:
1. Develop recommendations for expanding its flood preparedness and education programs, including alerts and early warning systems, if applicable; and
2. Create a video about flood preparedness for distribution via the District's social media channels, the District website, and King County television and transmit the concept and outline of the video by July 21, 2025; and
3. Expand the District's annual Be Flood Ready Brochure to include more information on flood preparedness regardless of the source or cause of the flooding; and
4. Look to expand the number of languages the Be Flood Ready Brochure is translated into on its website; and
5. Increase its partnership with Community Navigators to expand the number of county residents that receive the Be Flood Ready Brochure and associated outreach; and
6. Increasing reliable communications with the appropriate federal agencies and advocating for adequate funding and staffing levels; and
7. Other recommendations based on best management practices for early flood warning and alert systems.
B. The District executive director shall brief the District on the activities and recommendations required in Subsection A of this motion by October 1, 2025.