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September 15, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

August was a difficult month for our region as devastating wildfires ripped through areas of Medical Lake and Elk. My heart aches for those who have suffered loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to those folks. I am working with many others to find or create temporary housing for the home owners folks impacted that were either underinsured or not insured. These individuals want to get back on their own property before the snow falls.

The communities of Medical Lake and Elk are putting together the Spokane County Long-Term Recovery Group. It is estimated that it will take 2-3 years for these people to rebuild and for our area to recover. We want to ensure they have the assistance they need, while being able to access the many resources that are available through this long recovery. For more information on the Long-Term Recovery Group click here.

Also, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

The components of the disaster recovery will focus on five areas:

• meet basic needs;
• case management;
• construction management;
• volunteer management; and
• deploy resources.

Below is an outline of the group structure we are working on putting in place.

I would add the governor has issued two emergency proclamations in the last few weeks, August wildfires, to provide state resources for response and recovery from the catastrophic fires, and a Family Emergency Assistance proclamation to implement emergency response procedures and coordinate resources for those in need.

Here are some other links that may be helpful.

County and/or local resources:

• Register for ALERT Spokane, the emergency alert and warning notification system for Spokane County
• Spokane County Emergency Management
• Spokane County Sheriff's Office
• Lincoln County Emergency Plans
• Adams County Emergency Management
• Whitman County Emergency Management

State resources:

• Washington Connection is part of the Department of Social and Human Services. It provides a way to apply for a variety of services and assistance online. By entering basic household information, Washington Connection will let you know what state, federal or local programs or services you or your family may qualify for. You may apply in person at a local CSO (DSHS Office Locator) or call the Customer Services Contact Center at 877-501-2233.
• Department of Natural Resources – Wildfire Incident Information
• Washington Emergency Management Division
• Washington State Department of Health – Emergencies
• Department of Ecology – Wildfire Smoke Information
• Washington's Air Quality Network – Air Monitoring Program

I know this is a tough time for many in our communities. I am working hard to help those in need. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any guidance or assistance contacting state agencies.

It is an honor to serve the 4th District!

Suzanne Schmidt