Day 9 in the Halvard valley: water down, clean-up kits out

This is an example update for a fictional response. The Halvard River has dropped below its banks in all three towns, and families are starting to go home to look at the damage.

Our crews handed out 140 clean-up kits in Pine Flats today. Each kit has gloves, masks, buckets, bleach, garbage bags and a tarp. We also have dehumidifiers to lend, because drying a home fast is the best way to stop mould.

Two shelters are still open. About 230 people slept there last night, down from 412 at the peak. Caseworkers are meeting every family before they leave, so nobody walks out without a plan.

Damage assessments start tomorrow on the east side of Halvard Crossing. A crew lead will walk through each home with the family and write down what is needed, in order of safety.