FEMA disaster assistance available for December flooding
Snohomish County residents can now seek Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) financial assistance as they continue to recover from the disruption caused by December's record flooding.
The deadline to apply is June 10, 2026. Disaster assistance centers will be open on a staggered schedule in Snohomish, Sultan and Arlington to provide people in-person help applying for recovery funds.
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“This is why we have worked so hard as a community and as a region to document damage and make our case for federal assistance,” said Lucia Schmit, director of the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management. “These funds can make a difference for many who live here.”
FEMA assistance is not income dependent and may be available to individuals whose homes were not as severely damaged as state programs require. People who earlier did not qualify for state help should apply with FEMA now to see if there are federal programs that may be of assistance.
The expanded federal assistance became available after President Donald Trump on April 7, 2026, approved a major disaster declaration covering Snohomish County and other areas of Washington affected by record flooding, mudslides and other damage caused by a series of storms Dec. 5-19, 2025.
In-person help applying for FEMA assistance or exploring U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans is scheduled to be available at these times, dates and locations:
Arlington
Stilly Valley Center, 18308 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA 98223
- Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 13.
- Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 15.
- Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 16.
Snohomish
Snohomish Library, 311 Maple Ave Snohomish, WA 98290.
- Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 20, June 3.
- Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 22, and June 5.
- Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 23, and June 6.
Sultan
Volunteers of America, 617 1st St., Sultan, WA 98294.
- Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 27.
- Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 29.
- Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 30.
People can also seek FEMA's help by:
More information.
 People can seek help applying for federal disaster assistance at three Snohomish County locations ahead of the June 10, 2026 deadline.
In response to record flooding throughout Washington state in December, the federal government has authorized disaster support resources for workers impacted by the severe weather.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible workers, including self-employed people, who became unemployed due to this disaster but do not otherwise qualify for unemployment benefits.
The deadline to apply for disaster unemployment benefits is June 10, 2026.
“We’re doing all we can to get resources to Washingtonians impacted by this historic flooding,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “Our work with our federal partners has secured additional unemployment assistance for people who lost work based on storm damage. In order to get it, you have to apply – submit your application today.”
Added Employment Security Department Commissioner Cami Feek: “We’re pleased to offer disaster unemployment assistance to workers impacted by December’s severe weather. We’re here to help.”
Learn more on Employment Security’s federal disaster unemployment assistance page.
 Flood waters inundate the Three Rivers Mobile Home Park in December 2025.
Helping Snohomish County prepare for emergencies is also about advocating for continued access to critical training, tools and resources.
Lucia Schmit, the county’s emergency management director, in late April joined a National Association of Counties delegation that met at U.S. Senate offices in Washington, D.C. Lawmakers were encouraged to support policies that keep communities safe before, during and after disasters.
Meanwhile, we took heart to see Snohomish County’s position highlighted in the May 7 final report of The President’s Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The department advocated for FEMA’s continued role in coordinating response, including training that incorporates principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
“We NEED national guidance to ensure we are all able to work together,” the Council’s report quotes the department’s response to a survey of nearly 1,400 stakeholders across the U.S. representing state, local, tribal and non-governmental partners.
The Council’s report recommends enhancing and improving the existing credentialing under NIMS.
 Click image for more information.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month. We joined emergency managers across 13 Western Washington counties on May 7 to affirm a joint commitment to promote public awareness about Ready, Set, Go! messaging during disasters.
These clear, straightforward messages are intended to save lives as people prepare to evacuate ahead of wildfires and other emergencies.
“We didn’t have much snow this winter, which means we all have to be extra prepared heading into fire season,” said Lucia Schmit, director of the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management. “One of the easiest ways to do that is to spread the word about ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ Understanding these simple steps can save lives when minutes matter.”
Ready, Set, Go! is an integral part of the toolkit used by first responders in Snohomish County. The graphic below explains how the phases work here, and the actions people should take. Learn more on the Snohomish County Public Safety Hub wildfire page, available in English and Spanish: https://bit.ly/snocowildfire
Read the Ready-Set-Go! press release.
 Click image to learn more about Ready-Set-Go! messages.
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