Emergency Information

• Do not try to walk or drive through flooded areas. Water can be deeper than it appears, and water levels rise quickly. Follow official emergency evacuation routes. If your car stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
• Stay away from moving water; moving water six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Cars are easily swept away in just two feet of water.
• Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• If your home is flooded, turn the utilities off until emergency officials tell you it is safe to turn them on. Do not pump the basement out until floodwater recedes. Avoid weakened floors, walls, and rooftops.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters.

• Wear gloves and boots when cleaning up.
• Open all doors and windows. Use fans if possible, to air out the building.
  
• Wash all clothes and linens in hot water.
• Discard mattresses and stuffed furniture. They can't be adequately cleaned.
• Wash dirt and mud from walls, counters and hard surfaced floors with soap and water. Disinfect by wiping surfaces with a solution of one cup bleach per gallon of water.
• Discard all food that has come into contact with floodwater. Canned food is alright, but thoroughly wash the can before opening.
• If your well is flooded, your tap water is probably unsafe. If you have public water, the health department will let you know—through radio and television—if your water is not safe to drink. Until your water is safe, use clean bottled water.
• Learn how to purify water. If you have a well, learn how to decontaminate it.
• Do not use your septic system when water is standing on the ground around it. The ground below will not absorb water from sinks or toilets. When the soil has dried, it is probably safe to again use your septic system. To be sure, contact your local health department.
• When floodwaters have receded, watch out for weakened road surfaces.

Drinking Water Lab

The water quality lab carries out bacterial analyses of drinking water,surface water, suspected sewage discharges, treatment plant effluent, marine water, and soils. The lab also performs nitrate analyses of drinking water. You can learn more about the drinking water lab here.

Regular Garbage, Furniture, and Construction-style Debris

• Schedule a bulk item pickup with your waste hauler.
• Haul materials yourself to one of Thurston County's solid waste facilities. Vehicles or trailers with a mechanized dump feature must use the Waste and Recovery Center in Lacey.
  
• Asbestos-containing materials require an appointment at the Waste and Recovery Center. Call 360-867-2491.
  

Appliances

• Schedule a bulk item pickup with your waste hauler.
  
• Washing machines, dryers, ovens, etc. are accepted at any of the county's three solid waste facilities.
• Refrigerated appliances (refrigerators, freezers, water coolers, dehumidifiers, etc.) are only accepted at the Waste and Recovery Center and a special handling fee applies.
  
• Search additional recycling and disposal options with the Where Do I Take My? online directory.
  

Hazardous Wastes

• Take pesticides, fertilizers, fuels, motor oil, cleaners, and other household hazardous wastes to HazoHouse in Lacey. This service is free for Thurston County residents. Businesses must call 360-867-2491 to complete the initial registration and schedule each appointment. The registration form can be completed in advance and customers will be billed using the information provided.
• Businesses (or residents with large volumes) should contact the Department of Ecology Regional Spills Response Program.