HomeMy WebLinkAbout52 22STATE OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON
In the Matter of } Resolution No. 5 2 - 22
Declaration of Emergency }
Windstorm Event t
WHEREAS, a severe weather event, beginning November 4, 2022, has impacted residents of Jefferson
County due to strong westerly winds, with maximum wind gust speeds reaching 75mph according to the
National Weather Service, leaving nearly every resident of Jefferson County without power at one point in time,
WHEREAS, impacts to life and safety of Jefferson County residents have included long-term power
outages, damage to personal property, and closures of critical infrastructure for extended periods of time, and
WHEREAS, additional weather -related impacts may be possible into the week of November 7, 2022,
with sub -freezing temperatures and precipitation forecasted early in the week,
WHEREAS, immediate preventative action and repair will be necessary to prevent further damage and to
restore essential services, and
WHEREAS, persons and property may be threatened or damaged and access to property will continue to
be impaired unless emergency efforts are taken by Jefferson County and other responding agencies to reduce
the threat to life and property,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners hereby
declare that a state of emergency exists.
1. The County is authorized to enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat this
emergency to protect the health and safety of persons and property in light of the exigencies of an
emergency situation without regard to time consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law,
with the exception of mandatory constitutional requirements.
2. This emergency authority will expire in fourteen (14) days from the date of the adoption of this
resolution unless specifically authorized by the Board.
ADOPTED this �l day of /11�wP/nI Pv , 2022
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
He i Eise our
J
J
re Brotherton, Member
ATTEST: Approved Telephonically
Kate Dean, Member
/,/
Carolyn l allaway, Clerk (ithe Board
Consent Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Mark McCauley, Interim County Administrator
FROM: Willie Bence, Emergency Management Director
DATE: 11/7/2022
SUBJECT: Emergency Declaration Request for Windstorm Event
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Beginning November 41h, 2022, an intense weather system brought exceptionally strong westerly winds to
east Jefferson County, with a maximum wind gust speed of 75MPH. These high winds downed trees and
power lines, causing a power outage that affected nearly every resident of the county. As of 11/6,
approximately 25% of the county remains without power as Road and PUD crews continue work to clear
downed trees and lines, sweep away debris, and ultimately restore power to county residents.
Additionally, with an incoming cold snap, there exists the possibility of precipitation that may lead to snow
and/or ice, making travel difficult for county residents. Wet, heavy snow may lead to additional power
outages. And finally, those without power and reliant on electricity to heat their homes may need to seek
assistance at warming centers or with friends/family.
ANALYSIS:
An Emergency Declaration may assist responding entities additional flexibility in their ability to procure
necessary resources to respond to and recover from impacts from the storm.
RECOMMENDATION:
The BOCC declare a State of Emergency regarding recent winter weather activity.
Mark McC44ey, County Admini
1/ /-ZZ-
Date