What to do at Level 2

On Wednesday, Skagit County officials warned anyone living within the 100-year flood zone, which includes La Conner, to prepare for sudden evacuation. While the Swinomish Reservation is mostly outside of it, some small areas by the Swinomish Channel are also included in the 100-year floodplain.

Luisa Loi
1–2 minutes

Here is what local authorities recommend to do to protect yourself and others in this situation:

In the Level 2 phase, prepare your evacuation route and destination, place your emergency kit in your vehicle, monitor social media and leave if you feel unsafe.

Residents can evacuate to shelters (look here for the latest list of locations). Cars can be parked at the Port of Skagit or the Skagit County History Museum parking lots.

The kit should include enough water and non-perishable food for several days (for humans and pets), eating utensils, a can opener, a first-aid kit, prescription medications, hygiene products, cash, extra clothes and sturdy shoes, a flashlight and a whistle, pet supplies, matches or a lighter, phone chargers, personal documents, battery-powered weather radio and important contact phone numbers, according to the county.

If you have livestock: find a high-ground location for your animals, either on your property or elsewhere; plan several routes of escape; leave as soon as possible when an evacuation order is issued or leave earlier to beat roadblocks; ID your animals (if you do not already have ID for your animals, mark them using spray paint or grease pencil, or attach your contact information to a collar); consider food and medication for several days; leave the animals untied.

If your property is at risk of flooding but you don’t have a place to bring your animals, these organizations may be able to help:

  • Skagit Animals In Need: info@skagitanimalsinneed.org or via Facebook messenger
  • Skagit Conservation District: 360-428-4313, skagitcd@skagitcd.org
  • Cattlemen’s Association (for cattle only): 360-856-6266
  • Buffy’s Animal Rescue:  360 708 2615 (call/text), banimalrescue@yahoo.com

If a Level 3 alert is issued, it’s time to leave immediately. Follow directions from 911, police, fire departments or local government agencies. Do not return home until officials determine it’s safe. 

Stay updated by checking Skagit County’s dedicated page or the Town of La Conner’s dedicated page.

Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News. 

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Luisa Loi