The Tragedy in Snohomish County

Red Cross workers are providing food and shelter to Oso residents, their families and first responders. More than 30 people stayed in Red Cross shelters throughout the weekend and dozens more have visited the shelters for information and meals.

Red Cross mental health workers are caring for the families who have lost loved ones or are awaiting word on those who are still missing. Because of the difficult nature of this event, additional mental health workers are being sent in to help.

DIFFICULT TIME

This is a difficult time for the entire community responding to and watching this event. The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to support each other:

• — Events like this can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety since no one knows for sure what will happen next. Remember that it's okay to feel nervous.

• —  Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get enough rest.

• —  Be patient with yourself and others. It’s common to have any number of temporary stress reactions such as anger, frustration and anxiety.

• —  This is a time where people should take care of themselves and their families. For example, reach out to others to offer and receive support.

• —  Parents should let children talk about their fears and then reassure them about their safety.

• —  People should also be careful not to overexpose themselves to media reports about the tragedy.

• —  To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746.

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency and more than 100 first responders are on the scene. Officials estimate as many as 60 homes are impacted. The debris is blocking the Stillaguamish River, where water is accumulating which could cause some flooding downriver of the blockage.

RED CROSS FLOOD APP

Residents living near where flooding is possible can download the free Red Cross Flood App to receive flood and flash flood watches and warnings. The app also features a flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm to let others know where the user is. The flood app will also tell the user where Red Cross shelters are and offers a one-touch “I’m safe” message to let friends and family know the user is out of harm’s way.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

We understand that people around the country want to help and we appreciate that support. Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support this event both financially and with relief supplies.

This tragedy shows that emergencies can happen in any community at any time. While the Red Cross has all it needs to respond to this event, we do need the public’s support to respond to the nearly 70,000 other disasters we handle every year around the country and in Washington. To help us prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, please make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief.

There are other ways people can help:

• —   Register for a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course so that you can be better prepared to help in future emergencies.

• —  Download the free Red Cross First Aid App which puts free and simple lifesaving information in the hands of smart phone and tablet users. The app is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

TO LEARN MORE AND THE LATEST UPDATES

Best way to find out the most accurate updated information available on the #530slide is at this website. Including just posted FAQ's. http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2354/530-Slide