State Disaster Assistance Application:

Residents impacted by the flood can now apply for Individual Assistance and Temporary Housing support from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM). Apply now through October 9 at ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA or call 1-844-445-7131 (Monday – Friday 8 a.m – 4 p.m.).

The in-person State of Alaska Disaster Assistance Centers wrapped up operations on Friday, August 16 at 6 p.m. If you couldn’t make it to the center or if you have new questions about applying for Individual Assistance—help is still available in person. Please call (907) 632-2165 to find a time to meet with helpers from Alaska DHS&EM.

Please be prepared to provide the following information with you when applying for Individual Assistance:

• Description of damages and/or losses
• Home ownership documentation
• Insurance information
• Personal ID
• Proof of occupancy (for example, a utility bill)

The State has also shared the following information for residents with disaster damages:

• Individual Assistance Fact Sheet – 2024 Juneau Glacier Flood
• Infographic: Have disaster damages? Take these steps.
• Infographic: State of Alaska Individual Assistance process

Red Cross Financial Assistance Available—Office Open Now

The American Red Cross is offering damage-based financial assistance for those whose primary residences (both renters and homeowners) sustained eligible damage as a result of the recent glacial outburst flooding in Juneau (More information in this handout.) Please call (907) 646-5467 to make an appointment at the Red Cross assistance center.

Lions Club Grant for School Clothing and Supplies

Juneau Community Foundation Mendenhall Flood Relief Fund

In the wake of unprecedented glacial outburst flooding along the Mendenhall River, the Juneau Community Foundation has reestablished the Mendenhall Flood Relief Fund to provide support to those affected by this disaster. If you have experienced significant loss as a result of the flooding, you are encouraged to apply for relief funds.

Thanks to the generosity of many businesses, the tourism industry, Foundations, and individuals in Juneau and beyond, and with the assistance of the Juneau Economic Development Council’s Alaska Development Corporation, funds will be distributed to those directly affected by the flooding.

JCF is actively fundraising at this time. See below for information about how to donate or visit juneaucf.org/fund/mendenhall-flood-relief-fund.

Apply for Relief

To apply for relief funds, please fill out the Mendenhall River Flood Relief Assistance Application and accompanying W9 form and email to the Juneau Community Foundation at [email protected]. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Alaska time, October 30, 2024. Funds will be disbursed in December 2024.

Donate to the Fund

The Fund gratefully welcomes all donations. Donate online or contact the Juneau Community Foundation at (907) 523-5450 or [email protected] for information on other methods of donation.

Disaster Distress Mental Health Support

As many in the community face significant loss and mounting uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to care for your mental well-being alongside your physical needs. That might mean letting yourself take a break from cleaning or repair work, or checking in with friends or loved ones. It might also mean counseling or other forms of support.

If you’re in need of immediate help, the Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 support to those in distress following a disaster. Through the helpline, crisis counselors listen to what’s on your mind with patience and without judgment. To be connected with a counselor, call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Hot Showers at Dimond Park

The Dimond Park Aquatic Center locker room is open to those in need of a hot shower. Just show your ID with street address for access during open hours.

DPAC is generally open Monday – Friday 5:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Check the full schedule here, and be aware that the building will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday, August 14 from 1 – 4 p.m.

Meal Support 

The Salvation Army will continue to provide meals to impacted residents on an individual basis. If you are in need of meal support, please email [email protected].

At this stage, the United Way is no longer coordinating resident connections with volunteer groups. Instead, they are focusing on providing resources such as information and cleaning supplies. Message boards for posting services, donated items and needs, as well as a small cleaning supply depot, will be available at Melvin Park.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the United Way volunteers, Team Rubicon and others who have generously contributed their time and efforts.

For those interested in making financial contributions, please visit the Juneau Community Foundation’s website at juneaucf.org for details on how to donate to the Mendenhall Flood relief fund.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to [email protected] to be connected with the right organization.

There has been a steady decrease in demand for disaster debris collection in the past week, but we know that several homes are still removing damaged items and materials. Starting Wednesday, September 4, CBJ will switch to collecting debris by request. Please continue to bag and move your debris to the right-of-way, and when you’re ready for collection, email [email protected] with your street address.

Please continue to separate out hazardous waste. Hazardous items include cleaning chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, propane tanks, electronic waste/anything with a battery or cord (except freezers, refrigerators, and AC units). See a list here. You can also dispose of hazardous waste for free at CBJ’s RecycleWorks facility. Visit juneaurecycling.com for more information about household hazardous waste.

If you are self-hauling to Waste Management’s Capitol Disposal landfill, please keep in mind that documentation is required for all loads. Please complete the non-asbestos certification form before arriving at the landfill. The landfill is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for residential customers.

Please note that this is a reimbursable expense for up to $1,500 if your application for Individual Assistance (IA) is approved by the State. Residents will need to provide receipts of payment for reimbursement and apply online or via the hotline at 1-844-445-7131 to utilize IA funding. Visit ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA to learn more about the process or start your application.

Please bring brush and trees to the “stump dump” and not the landfill or Juneau Composts. Contact Alaska Juneau Construction  at 907-789-7199 or [email protected] for disposal information.

Stay Safe from Mold

Although mold can start growing within 24 hours after water enters your home, it often takes some time before it’s easily detectable. At the same time, mold exposure can lead to breathing problems or allergic reactions.

Be on the alert for signs of mold or symptoms of exposure, and be sure to protect yourself while you’re cleaning. Here are a few helpful resources:

• Tlingit & Haida Tribal Operations Center: Signs & symptoms of mold
• CDC: 8 tips to clean up mold
• CDC: Mold clean-up after disasters: When to use bleach
• CDC: Shopping list for cleaning mold in your home after a flood
• CDC: What to wear before entering a home or building with mold damage
• CDC: Homeowner’s and renter’s guide to mold clean-up after disasters
• EPA: Flood clean-up: Protecting indoor air quality

Flood Mitigation Update at September 9 Assembly Committee of the Whole Worksession

The Assembly Committee of the Whole worksession scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, September 9 will include an update on flood mitigation. Representatives from several federal agencies are meeting with CBJ on September 6 and CBJ participants will report to the Assembly at the worksession.

The worksession will be held in person at the City Hall Assembly Chambers (155 Heritage Way) and remotely via Zoom at https://juneau.zoom.us/j/95424544691.

Please be aware that Committee of the Whole worksessions (unlike regular Assembly meetings) do not include opportunities for public testimony. However, you’re welcome to submit your comments to [email protected].

Flood Response Update at August 19 Assembly Meeting

Monday’s Assembly meeting will include an update on flood response from CBJ and our partners. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Find the full agenda at juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-assembly/page/regular-assembly-meeting-2024-20.

If you’re planning to attend in person, please be aware the meeting will take place at Centennial Hall (101 Egan Drive), not the Assembly Chambers in City Hall.

You can also join remotely over Zoom at juneau.zoom.us/j/91515424903. If you plan to testify over Zoom, make sure to contact the Clerk’s Office at (907) 586-5278 by 4 p.m. Monday, August 19.

Emergency Shelter and Temporary Housing

• CBJ opened an emergency shelter at the former Floyd Dryden Middle School Building (3800 Mendenhall Loop Road) to those impacted by potential flooding. Residents began arriving at approximately 1 a.m. on August 6 and a total of 43 people took shelter at Floyd Dryden over the night.
• Many residents who initially planned to return to their homes are now realizing that repairs will take longer than anticipated. Others are facing unexpected health and safety concerns.If you are unable to stay in your home because of flood damage and are in need of shelter, please email [email protected] to be connected with those coordinating shelter and temporary housing.

Please be aware of an email scam going around that appears to come from a CBJ board, commission or department and claims that the recipient owes payment or fees to CBJ. If the sender’s email does not end in “@juneau.gov,” this is a scam. If you are at all unsure or have questions, please contact [email protected].

Scammers often take advantage of the emotional situations following disasters. If you receive an unexpected request for payment or invoice from any agency, business or individual, please proceed with caution as it may be a scam. If you are unsure, contact [email protected].

A special Assembly meeting was held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6 to pass Resolution 3071 confirming the declaration of local emergency and requesting state and federal assistance.

State Disaster Declaration and Disaster Assistance:

We are grateful for the Governor’s State Disaster Declaration.  This makes additional resources and funding available to help recover from the flood disaster.  The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is sent staff to Juneau on August 6.  Their team is coordinating both individual assistance and public assistance applications.  Impacted residents can apply for Individual Assistance at ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA.

After-the-Fact Permitting

The CBJ Community Development Department has authorized after-the-fact permitting to address immediate threats to property and safety. This includes both home repair and emergency bank stabilization.

After-the-fact permitting means that property owners may proceed immediately with work necessary to make their home or property safe, on the understanding that they will obtain the necessary permits as soon as possible.

Permitting requirements differ depending on the type of work and the property location. Please read the complete FAQs linked below to understand what kind of after-the-fact permits you may need and how to acquire them.

Home Repair (Building Permits)

After-the-fact permitting is allowed for home repair to address immediate threats to property and safety. Some examples include plumbing, electrical, and heating repairs.

Many immediate repairs—such as insulation and sheet rock—don’t require a building permit at all. Others, such as electrical repairs, typically do. Once your home is safe, contact the Community Development Department Building Division at (907) 586-0767 and request to speak with a building inspector. The inspector will be able to tell you whether an after-the-fact building permit is necessary.

Important note: If your home or structure is in the Mendenhall River mapped floodplain or floodway, you may also need a Floodplain Development Permit. It’s best to check on the floodplain permit in advance, because a floodplain permit might trigger other requirements for the work that need to be addressed upfront.

Read the complete guide to after-the-fact permitting for your home repair work at After-the-Fact Permitting – A Guide for Home Repair.

Emergency Bank Stabilization

After-the-fact permitting is allowed for emergency bank stabilization on the Mendenhall River to protect property and structures from further damage from the flood. For example, property owners may immediately repair damage to existing bank stabilization, or place new bank stabilization.

Important note: Emergency bank stabilization does not include placing fill to reclaim land beyond what is necessary to secure structures or place bank stabilization according to engineering standards. Such reclamation requires full permitting before starting work.

Once your property is safe, you’ll need to apply for a Grading Permit (including plans certified by an engineer licensed in the State of Alaska). Depending on the location of your property, you may also need to apply for a Floodplain Development Permit. More information about both permits—and how to tell what you need—is included in the guide below.

Read the complete guide to after-the-fact permitting for emergency bank stabilization at After-the-Fact Permitting – A Guide for Bank Stabilization.

The following is a list of local contractors that may be able to assist homeowners with reconstruction projects. If you are a contractor who would like to be added to this list, please contact [email protected].

CBJ is providing this for informational purposes only and at the request of the community. CBJ is not formally endorsing or recommending any individual private business, but greatly appreciates the support the Juneau business community continues to provide to impacted residents.

• Tim Murphy has offered to assist impacted residents with computer & data recovery. Please contact [email protected].
• Delta Western has also offered to dip oil tanks for water and provide oil boom and other sorbent materials at no cost to impacted residences in the flood zone. Interested residents can contact Delta Western at their Juneau Office, 907-586-2800.
• AK Heat Smart will prioritize residents replacing flood-damaged boilers, furnaces, or other heating systems with a heat pump. Tax credits and financial incentives are available. Visit akheatsmart.org for information or call 907-975-2943.
• Juneau Composts! is providing free compost to food-based gardens that were in the flood zone. Send an email to [email protected] with your address and your approximate garden dimensions. They will respond with directions on how to claim your free compost.
• Your Northern Home: crawl spaces in Southeast Alaska is an educational video from the Cold Climate Housing Research Center that may be useful for homeowners looking for information about insulation and vapor barrier installation.

Please stay away from flood-impacted areas if at all possible to allow response crews to work unobstructed. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.

Damage Assessment:

• The CBJ Building Official is available for field visits.  Please e-mail [email protected] if you would like assistance from the Building Official on determining whether your building is not safe.  In the interim, please see these resources linked below.  The Red Cross will continue providing assistance in the coming weeks to help do the formal Damage Assessment documentation.
  • Returning Home After A Flood: FEMA provides the following practical recommendations and safety precautions for residents returning home after a flood.
    • Returning Home After a Flood_FEMA (PDF)

FEMA Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment

Representatives from FEMA and the SBA are in Juneau this week to conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) following the August 6 Mendenhall River flooding.

Teams of FEMA, SBA, state and tribal representatives will be on the ground in neighborhoods impacted by flooding, visiting individual homes, doing damage assessments, and gathering information to support any request for a federal declaration of emergency.

Teams will be out in the neighborhoods through Friday, August 30.

• Residents who have loose or spilling fuel tanks and/or other hazardous spill situations should contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Prevention and Response hotline at 1-800-478-9300, or report a spill via their website at https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/.
  • DEC staff are in the field responding to reports of spills and odors in the impacted neighborhoods.

• Delta Western has offered to dip oil tanks for water and provide oil boom and other sorbent materials at no cost to impacted residences in the flood zone. Interested residents can contact Delta Western at their Juneau Office, 907-586-2800.

The CBJ Community Development has prepared a flood insurance FAQ answering questions like how to start a flood insurance claim and how FEMA flood insurance works. If you’re not sure whether your home insurance covers flood damage or where to find more information, start with this FAQ.

If you’re ready to start a federal flood insurance claim, visit FEMA’s webpage Starting Your Recovery After a Flood.

To speak with a FEMA flood insurance expert, contact Scott Van Hoff, FEMA Region X Flood Insurance Liaison, at (425)-892-4152 or [email protected].

If your home or property was damaged in the flooding, you are encouraged to request partial property tax relief from the CBJ Assessor’s Office.

The Assessor’s Office will provide more information and guidance in the coming days, but property owners who are ready to take next steps now are welcome to fill out the Disaster Relief form and return it by email, along with photos of damage, to [email protected] or by postal mail to 155 Heritage Way, Juneau, Alaska 99801.

If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call (907) 586-5215 ext 4033.

• Homeowners experiencing flood damage are encouraged to check FEMA’s informational booklet Repairing Your Flooded Home for step-by-step advice to help clean up and rebuild.

• Residents who have experienced damage or displacement are encouraged to read through a recovery checklist of steps to take about insurance, mortgage, utilities, and more.

Many residents have cars or trucks that have been damaged or totaled by the flood and are now wondering what steps to take.

CBJ will soon begin removing and disposing of flood-damaged vehicles by owner request. If you’re not filing an insurance claim, you can sign up to have your vehicle collected from your residence or street. Read CBJ’s flood-damaged vehicle guidance to find out how to sign up and prepare your vehicle for removal.

Please note that if you are filing an insurance claim, do not have CBJ remove your vehicle—this will negatively impact your claim.

If you can’t wait for your vehicle to be collected, you’re welcome to dispose of it for free through CBJ’s junk vehicle program. Visit juneau.org/engineering-public-works/recycleworks/junk-cars for step-by-step instructions.

If you are looking for information about how to select or hire a private attorney, you may wish to use the Alaska Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service. Visit alaskabar.org or call (907) 272-0352 / toll-free 1-800-770-9999.

If you are looking for information about city laws or policy, the complete CBJ municipal code is searchable online at juneau.org/code.

Request a Water Turn-Off

In the wake of damage to your home, it’s easy to overlook the important step of turning off your utilities. If your home is uninhabitable and you cannot use water or sewer services due to recent flooding, please contact the CBJ Meters team to request a water turn-off. This will make sure you are not billed unnecessarily

Call or text (907) 723-0449 or email [email protected] to request a turn-off. There is no turn-off fee for flood-affected residents.

Power Outages

Alaska Electric Light & Power (AELP) closely monitored rising water levels leading up to and during the flood and disconnected power to affected neighborhoods prior to inundation. AELP staff reconnecting power as it was is safe to do so and is sharing the latest outage updates on their website and Facebook page.

CBJ is interested in hearing from individuals or organizations, especially those with expertise in civil engineering or hydrology, who have ideas to prevent or mitigate future glacier lake outburst events. Please email [email protected].

Flood Mitigation Update at September 9 Assembly Committee of the Whole Worksession

The Assembly Committee of the Whole worksession scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, September 9 will include an update on flood mitigation. Representatives from several federal agencies are meeting with CBJ on September 6 and CBJ participants will report to the Assembly at the worksession.

The worksession will be held in person at the City Hall Assembly Chambers (155 Heritage Way) and remotely via Zoom at https://juneau.zoom.us/j/95424544691.

Please be aware that Committee of the Whole worksessions (unlike regular Assembly meetings) do not include opportunities for public testimony. However, you’re welcome to submit your comments to [email protected].

• Please send questions and non-emergency reports to [email protected]. For those without access to email, contact the City Manager’s Office at 907-586-5240.
• Please limit calls to 911 or JPD dispatch to emergencies only, so that emergency responders are able to continue assisting the community.
• For more information and data, follow National Weather Service Juneau on Facebook, visit the NWS Suicide Basin monitoring page at www.weather.gov/ajk/suicideBasin, or see the NWS Mendenhall River gauge at water.noaa.gov/gauges/MNDA2.

On August 7, the CBJ Assembly passed Resolution 3036(b) confirming the declaration of local emergency and requesting state and federal assistance.

The Mendenhall River banks remain highly unstable. All individuals are strongly advised to stay away from the river to ensure their safety.

• The Juneau Community Foundation has announced that they are accepting applications for relief assistance from those negatively impacted by the glacier outburst flooding through December 31, 2023. Information and application forms are available on the Mendenhall Flood Relief Fund webpage.

• The Governor has issued a declaration of emergency and the State of Alaska is now accepting applications for individual assistance. Apply now through October 9 at ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA or call 1-844-445-7131 (Monday – Friday 8 a.m – 4 p.m.). The State has shared the following information for residents with disaster damages:
  • 2023 Juneau Suicide Basin Individual Assistance flyer
  • Individual Assistance fact sheet
  • Infographic: Have disaster damages? Take these steps.
  • Infographic: State of Alaska Individual Assistance process

• Local aid organizations are assisting residents impacted by flooding. See Mendenhall Valley Flood Donations and Volunteer Options to find out how to donate or request assistance. Individuals or organizations interested in volunteering should sign up using the United Way of Southeast Alaska form.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to businesses and residents affected by the flooding. SBA representatives will open a disaster loan outreach center at Dimond Park Aquatic Center from October 10-24. The deadline to apply for property damage is December 5, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 8, 2024. Read the SBA’s press release for more details, or see the following fact sheets:
  • SBA Disaster Loans fact sheet
  • SBA Disaster Assistance flyer
  • Infographic: 3 step process

• Homeowners experiencing flood damage are encouraged to check FEMA’s informational booklet Repairing Your Flooded Home for step-by-step advice to help clean up and rebuild.

• Residents who have experienced damage or displacement are encouraged to read through a recovery checklist of steps to take about insurance, mortgage, utilities, and more.

• Residents who have loose or spilling fuel tanks and/or other hazardous spill situations should contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Prevention and Response hotline at 1-800-478-9300.

• For Real Property Exemption Disaster Relief, please see the guidelines and application.

Please see the CBJ newsroom for the most recent information releases.