The Betty Pages

12/24/2025

Today's focus: damage assessment, debris management, and resources for those displaced or impacted by flooding.

12/24/2025

NEWS (Dec. 20) Flood recovery assistance expands, includes ‘one-stop shop’ for services

Beginning this week, multiple state agencies that offer disaster support services will be co-located in a pop-up Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) in north Whatcom County. The goal is to address as many needs as possible for those impacted by the recent flooding. Other support includes Disaster Cash Assistance, provided by the state Department of Health and Human Services. Specifically:

Pop up State Disaster Assistance Center (DAC)

• Tuesday, Dec. 23, noon to 6 p.m. and
• Saturday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at
• Nooksack Valley Middle School in The Commons, 404 W Columbia St, Nooksack

Disaster Cash Assistance

Disaster Cash Assistance is available to qualifying people impacted by flooding. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Jan. 15. Visit the Washington State Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS) Cash Assistance Webpage for more information, including criteria to qualify such as income limits.

Food benefits and flooding / power outages

Those who purchased groceries with food benefits (EBT Card) and that food was lost due to flooding or a power outage can file a claim to replace those food benefits. Call DSHS at (877) 501-2233.
This service is specifically for Whatcom County residents who use EBT cards to buy food, and who lost food due to the floods or power outages related to the atmospheric river event that began on Dec. 9, 2025. The deadline to file a claim is Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.

Continuing local resources, information

Call Center hours. It is possible to leave a message on the Flood Call Center at any time. It is staffed – in English and Spanish – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through (tomorrow) Sunday, Dec. 21. Hours likely to be reduced beginning Monday, Dec. 22. The Call Center is closed Dec. 24-25 and New Year’s Eve day, Dec. 31.

Debris management site updates:
• All county-sponsored debris drop-off sites will be closed to free drop off services on Christmas Eve, 12/24, Christmas Day, 12/25, and New Year’s Day, 1/1/2026.
• RDS and Republic are private businesses with different holiday hours. For a fee, residents can drop off during the businesses’ holiday hours.
• Stremler (9626 Swanson Rd, Everson) is closed Dec. 24-25 for the holidays, then closing permanently Jan. 1, 2026.

The National Weather Service reports a continuing risk of falling trees and landslides.

Damage assessment continues for homes, businesses and government facilities. Reporting criteria must be met to qualify for state or federal funds. Phone (360) 788-5303 for guidance.

Sources for information: Whatcom Ready page and Whatcom Ready website.

12/24/2025

When we talk about homelessness, it can feel far away or abstract.

But this map tells a different story.

In Bellingham, 976 students (or about 1 in 12) are experiencing homelessness, spread across schools throughout our district (this map shows elementary schools, but many more are in our middle schools and 4 high schools) . These are kids showing up to class every day, doing their best, without stable housing or basic security.

With the support of our community, schools are able to respond with care. Yes cards help provide food, warm clothing, and immediate help when it matters most.

If you’re thinking about a year-end gift, this is where it matters.

Every child deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to thrive.

P.S. Year-end gifts are matched through Dec. 31!
Make your gift now: https://bellinghamschoolsfoundation.org/anna/

12/21/2025

Hello readers!
Can you please link any resources you know of for flood victims?
I'd like to add it to January's issue.
Maybe TBP can get a few donations routed that way? Or somehow let people know of resources they didnt know about?
Thanks!

-picture of onion heart for the algorithm gods-

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

Updated December 12 at 12:15 PM: Whatcom County - Flood risk has passed for City of Ferndale.

Whatcom County - ALL CLEAR.
Flood risk has passed for Ferndale. Be sure flood waters have receded before returning to your home. Be alert to any remaining hazards.
More info at WhatcomReady.org

Whatcom County - TODO CLARO.
El riesgo de inundación ha pasado para Ferndale. Asegúrese de que las aguas de la inundación hayan retrocedido antes de regresar a su casa. Esté alerta a cualquier peligro restante.
Más información en WhatcomReady.org

🚨 VOLUNTARY EVACUATION NOTICE 🚨
Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Ferndale is urging residents in specific low-lying areas to begin voluntary evacuation NOW due to the potential for major flooding over the next several days.

Floodwaters may rise beginning Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13, with additional events possible next week.

If you choose to shelter in place, please be prepared to do so for at least 24 hours, and be aware that emergency response may be delayed.

Temporary shelter options are available on both sides of I-5 for those who need them.

👉 Please visit the City’s website to read the full evacuation notice and view the affected areas: www.cityofferndale.org

12/11/2025

Bellingham! Do you or someone you know need judgment free cleaning?
I have experience and attention to detail! PM me!
Can be a pre Christmas cleaning or a bimonthly thing, or even just a one off clean. The paper isn't quite covering it's own bills and I need work for my own on top of that.
I love to organize, wrap gifts, and clean. Perfect for the holiday season 🤣

🎁 ✨️🎄🚽🧼🫧🧽🧹🪣

(Pic/gif for attention and algorithm)

12/10/2025

The map provides traffic flow, travel alerts, cameras, weather conditions, mountain pass reports, rest areas and commercial vehicle restrictions.

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

There's lots of water over roads right now and some cities and counties may not be able to get road closed signs up fast enough. First, if you see a road closed sign, don't go around it. It's there for your protection. A flooded road may have hidden dangers such as washed out roadbeds or underwater obstructions. Second, if you see water on the roadway without a sign, turn around and find another way. People often underestimate the power of flowing water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock an adult off their feet. Most vehicles begin to lose contact with the road in six inches of water. They can be swept away in 12-18 inches of flowing water. This includes pickups and SUVs. People think because their vehicle is heavy, it will do just fine. That simply isn't the case. When approaching a flooded roadway remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown!

12/10/2025

The Skagit River can rise fast. Keep an eye on local river levels by watching the flood gauge at https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/mvew1
Keep informed, stay prepared, and help keep everyone safe.

El río Skagit puede subir rápidamente. Mantén un ojo en los niveles locales del río consultando el medidor de inundaciones en https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/mvew1
Mantente informado, prepárate y ayuda a mantener a todos seguros.

*Links & Resources*
Mount Vernon Skagit River Gauge: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/mvew1
Mount Vernon's Flood Protection and Awareness Page: https://mountvernonwa.gov/127/Floodplain-Management

*Connect With Us*
Visit our website: https://mountvernonwa.gov/

08/25/2025

Survey link: https://forms.gle/a7yZU8iEivbia5Po7