Storm Damage Reports Sought By State Officials

The damage most Spokane-area residents sustained from the November ice storm won’t be covered by federal disaster aid. But state officials would like them to send in an estimate anyway.

“It’s essential that people report the damage so that the county can make the assessment,” said Chuck Hagerhjelm, a coordinator for the state Emergency Management Division.

State officials hope to make the area eligible for grants and low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration, Hagerhjelm said. But that hinges on a “significant amount” of damage being reported by government agencies and the public.

The government agencies have reported their losses, but Spokane County emergency officials have received relatively few reports from the public, he said. Disaster officials estimated there’s a $4 million gap between the actual damage and the amount reported.

Hagerhjelm conceded it will be difficult for local residents or small businesses to receive federal aid for their losses. They won’t be repaid for the costs of clearing limbs out of their yards, food spoiled by prolonged power outages or costs of relocating from cold, dark homes.

Residents whose homes were heavily damaged could qualify if at least 40 percent of their property was damaged, and uninsured, he said.

To help compile the overall damage estimates from either the ice storm or the recent floods, which is still under review for a disaster declaration, Hagerhjelm asked residents to report the following information:

Name, address and phone number, along with whether the resident rents or owns the property.

Whether it’s a private residence, secondary residence, mobile home, farm or business.

The estimated dollar loss and the percentage covered by insurance.

Whether the property is habitable and any comment about the damage that would be useful.

Damage assessments should be mailed to the Spokane County Emergency Management Department, 1121 W. Gardner, Spokane WA 99201-2072.

Residents and business owners who have damage from the ice storm or floods that isn’t covered by insurance or disaster aid should consult with a tax expert, Hagerhjelm added.

, DataTimes