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Press Release

 

February 28, 2001, #2

4:00 p.m.

 

Citizen Advisory

 

TO:      Local Media, Fire Stations and Community Groups

 

Thurston County Emergency Management officials are advising residents of unincorporated areas to observe caution when entering their homes for the first time after today’s earthquake. Residents should not enter a structure if there are any doubts about the building’s integrity.  Residents in unincorporated Thurston County can contact Development Services at 754-3360 through tomorrow, March 1, to arrange for a building inspector to assess structural safety.

 

Olympia residents should call the Olympia Planning Department at 753-8314. Staff will be on hand until 11 p.m. tonight and then will be on duty again at 7 a.m. tomorrow.  Lacey residents should call 412-9284, while Tumwater residents should call 754-4120.

 

Residents living on or near bluffs and shorelines should closely inspect their property for signs of unstable or shifting soil structure.

 

Residents should also check furnaces and hot water heaters for natural gas leaks. If the odor of gas is present, turn off the gas intake valve. Call your utility company for assistance with repairs and relighting. Residents who have lost power to their homes are advised to keep their refrigerator and freezer doors closed in order to keep food from spoiling.

 

Residents of unincorporated Thurston County are encouraged to report private and/or public property damage to the County’s Emergency Management Division at 754-3360. Residents of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater should call their respective cities to report damage.