Faith Martin, First Responders stepping up to help ahead of Washington flooding
By Austin Reed
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BENTON CITY, Washington (KAPP) — With heavy rain and potential flooding forecast for the Tri-Cities area this weekend, local community members are taking action to prepare and protect both people and animals.
One of the community leaders stepping up is Faith Martin, a Benton City resident and local celebrity known from the first season of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor.” Martin is focusing on ensuring the safety of her neighbors and their animals.
“It got kind of wild here last night,” Martin said, describing recent weather conditions.
Concerned about animals at risk, Martin shared on Facebook that her truck and trailer are hooked up and ready to help evacuate horses if needed. She encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to reach out to horse owners who have trailers, noting, “There has never been a horse I couldn’t get in a trailer in a very calm manner. Important thing too, remain calm, even if it seems like the world is coming apart. Horses sense energy, and that’s scary for them.”
With heavy rain and potential flooding forecast for the Tri-Cities area this weekend, local community members are taking action to prepare and protect both people and animals.
One of the community leaders stepping up is Faith Martin, a Benton City resident and local celebrity known from the first season of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor.” Martin is focusing on ensuring the safety of her neighbors and their animals.
“It got kind of wild here last night,” Martin said, describing recent weather conditions.
Concerned about animals at risk, Martin shared on Facebook that her truck and trailer are hooked up and ready to help evacuate horses if needed. She encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to reach out to horse owners who have trailers, noting, “There has never been a horse I couldn’t get in a trailer in a very calm manner. Important thing too, remain calm, even if it seems like the world is coming apart. Horses sense energy, and that’s scary for them.”
A self-serve sandbag station is currently open at Station 210 on Dale Avenue. The sand and bags were provided by Benton County Emergency Services, with the fire department offering the space.
Chief Bates experienced the 1996 flood and the similar-level flood in 2009. “We rose to similar levels which could get with this flood.”
This weekend’s preparations emphasize community effort to keep everyone safe—including four-legged family members.
“It’s funny, I had just mentioned that I’m willing to help,” Martin added. “I have a trailer and will help evacuate, and people were acting like that was such a big thing, but I don’t know a horse person alive that wouldn’t.”
The sandbag site at Station 210 remains open as long as flooding remains a threat. Benton County officials also announced a dedicated hotline for residents needing assistance evacuating animals. The number is 509-574-1926.
Emergency teams are on standby to respond as conditions evolve, encouraging residents to prepare early and stay safe during the weekend’s potential flooding event.
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