12/27/2025
NEWS: Pop-up flood Disaster Assistance Center returns Saturday, Dec. 27 + debris site to close, other options continue
The state-coordinated Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) returns to Whatcom County for the second of two visits to help those impacted by flooding. The pop-up DAC will be in the Nooksack Valley Middle School Commons at 404 W Columbia St, Nooksack on Saturday, Dec. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The DAC includes representatives from several state agencies to help community members connect with services to aid with flood recovery. Agencies expected to be on site at the DAC:
• American Red Cross - A Client Care Team will be available to provide disaster recovery assistance and referrals
• State Insurance Commissioner’s Office - guidance on filing claims
• State Department of Licensing
• State Employment Security
• the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) – provides humanitarian relief
• DSHS representatives will share about services available, including replacement cards (which can be issued on-site) to those whose groceries - purchased with EBT cards - were lost due to flooding or related power outages. Deadline to file a claim is January 8. If unable to attend Saturday’s DAC, phone (877) 501-2233 for more information.
FLOOD DEBRIS
As flood response transitions to recovery, debris management is transitioning as well. The temporary emergency debris drop-off site hosted by the Stremler family is closing on or before Dec. 31. Two other options, both in the Ferndale area, continue to accept flood-damaged debris: RDS and Republic.
GOOD TO KNOW
Damage assessment forms are due for some by Sunday night as local data must be submitted to the state in time for Monday morning transmission to FEMA. However, even forms submitted after Sunday will be useful and those submitting them will not be excluded from any potential benefits.
As of Monday, Dec. 29, the equipment “lending library” will be housed at the City of Everson’s Public Works shop (and temporary City Hall.) The lending library includes county-purchased dehumidifiers, fans, pumps and other equipment to help dry buildings and reduce the risk of mold.
The Flood Call Center (360/788-5303) is transitioning to Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Outside of those hours, callers may leave a message.
The National Weather Service reports cooler temperatures, along with a chance of some snow, though dryer weather follows.
Sources for information: Whatcom Ready page and Whatcom Ready website.
HOW TO HELP
Those who want to assist community members impacted by flooding or support ongoing recovery efforts, may donate to the Whatcom Community Foundation Resilience Fund or the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group.
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