OLYMPIA, Wash. — Despite Mother Nature delivering a one-two punch in the form of windstorms to western Washington this week, the state has yet to step in.
That, according to Gov. Jay Inslee's office, is because the state hasn't received a request for help from a local jurisdiction or county emergency management department.
“State agencies are closely monitoring the storm’s impacts," a statement from Inslee on Nov. 21 reads, adding, "Our emergency management teams are always on standby to assist local governments who request help.”
Washington is a home rule state. Along with other things, when it comes to disasters, the response begins at a local level. If a county determines all of its resources are exhausted and more is needed, it asks the state. This is just like if the state needs additional help, it turns to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Currently, the response to the storm powered by the bomb cyclone is happening at a local level. If it's determined more help is needed, the state will activate its Emergency Operations Center.
Meanwhile, Inslee's office reports it could be weeks before the full financial impact of the storm can be assessed.
"Once local governments are able to assess damages, we’ll know whether we will be able to seek federal assistance," the statement from Inslee reads.
