Need help with flood recovery? Whatcom County event set for Thursday in Nooksack

Whatcom County will operate a pop-up disaster-assistance center from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Nooksack Valley Middle School, 404 W. Columbia St. in Nooksack, according to a news release from Amy Cloud with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

The center will be active to assist in the replacement supplies destroyed in flooding such as food, water and baby supplies. The center can also help to replace destroyed documents such as birth certificates or marriage licenses, according to the release.

Agencies and resources expected to be available on site include:

• County Health and Community Services – replacing vital records
• State Emergency Management (EMD) – damage assessment and household needs grant program
• Office of the Insurance Commissioner – questions about insurance
• Department of Licensing – how to replace vehicle/driver licenses
• Salvation Army – application to qualify for household needs grant 
• Employment Security Department – understanding rights for missed work
• County Emergency Management – sign up for AlertSense or fill out damage assessment forms
• Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group – disaster case management
• Food Lifeline – shelf-stable food, some fresh fruit, water, hygiene supplies, baby formula and diapers, socks. Free, while supplies last

Whatcom County has also bought fans, pumps, dehumidifiers and other equipment that can help dry buildings and reduce the risk of mold for residents. Residents can temporarily check out and borrow the equipment between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The lending library is at the City of Everson’s Public Works shop at 605 Robinson St., according to the release. There is no cost or time limit for the equipment, but due to a high demand, people are asked to bring the equipment back soon after they are done with it.

Meanwhile, flood debris drop-off sites, located at Recycling & Disposal Services and Republic Services in Ferndale, are ending their service as of Monday, Jan. 19. The sites will still receive debris, but the cost will no longer be covered by the Whatcom County Solid Waste Fund.

Visit the Whatcom Ready website for additional information regarding ongoing resources.

Jack Belcher

The Bellingham Herald

360-715-2206

Jack Belcher covers transportation and recreation for The Bellingham Herald. He graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in digital journalism in 2020 and joined the staff in September 2022. Belcher resides in Bellingham.