File for storm damages

Published 2:07 pm Wednesday, December 9, 2015

On Nov. 18, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for all Washington counties which experienced wind, extreme rainfall and flood damage from the severe storm conditions that started on Nov. 14.

If you have damages from the recent winter weather, it is imperative that home and business owners as well as public facilities file a report with the Clallam County Emergency Management Unit by calling 417-2525.

Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. During holidays and after hours leave a voice message with your contact information.

To qualify for a low interest Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan assistance there need to be at least 25 primary residences who have uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of the estimated fair replacement value.

Preliminary reports that are called into the 417-2525 number will determine if Clallam County will qualify for assistance.

In addition to reporting damages, call your insurance agent to check on your coverage. Have the following information on hand:

• Name and address of the affected property

• A description of damage, even if it is insured

• A personal estimate of losses that will be uninsured.

• An estimate of the fair market value of the damaged home or business

Keep records of all clean-up and repair costs and, if possible, document with photographs.

Small business owners should consider physical and economic damages. The State of Washington must certify that at least five small businesses in a disaster area have suffered substantial economic injury and need financial assistance not otherwise available to qualify.