FEMA bunker in Bothell ready for disaster

BOTHELL — It was built to withstand a nuclear bomb.

The walls are up to 18 inches thick. More than 450 tons of reinforced steel and 4,000 cubic yards of concrete protect the underground building.

Today, the former Cold War fallout shelter in Bothell is used to manage the federal government’s emergency response to natural disasters in the Pacific Northwest.

When major disasters strike in Washington, Alaska, Oregon or Idaho, the Federal Emergency Management Agency coordinates its response from the building off 228th Street that is a concrete bunker surrounded by a chain-link fence and dotted with antennas.

On Thursday, officials opened the doors to the bunker for the first time to the media to show the public what they do year-round to prepare for disasters.

Above ground, they showed off tricked-out RVs stocked full of sophisticated communication equipment and high-powered generators. Below the concrete, they demonstrated advanced electronics and a team ready to tackle whatever natural disaster comes this way.

When state and local officials are overwhelmed during a disaster, they call on the federal government to step in and help, said Susan Reinertson, the administrator of the four-state region.

“We can’t make victims whole, but we can help them on the road to recovery,” she said.

After the December floods, the agency helped individuals and local governments in Snohomish County with more than $2.5 million in disaster assistance.

FEMA also helped Snohomish County after the Election Day floods of 2006 that caused an estimated $28.9 million in damage to homes, businesses and government property.

In the past 15 years, during 26 disasters in the four-state area, more than 100,000 households have received more than $160 million in help.

Still, the federal agency was widely criticized after its 2005 response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

“Our mission hasn’t changed, but we’ve improved the way we do our business,” Reinertson said. “We’re doing a lot more on planning and protecting.”

About 100 people work in the Bothell offices. Some manage programs to lower the risk of damage from disasters; others prepare response plans.

Hundreds more are on stand-by when disasters strike.

In the regional response coordination center, a team monitors giant TV screens that keep tabs on anything that could go wrong.

It’s in this nerve center where officials would gather to manage catastrophic events.

“When things are going on, decision makers have the best data to make quick decisions,” said Lon Biasco, the disaster operation division director for the region.

Similar hubs exist around the country to manage problems when they occur.

Federal officials currently are helping people in Florida recover from torrential floods caused by Tropical Storm Fay.

The best prevention for a disaster is good preparation, officials said.

As summer begins to wind down, it’s a good time for families to review their disaster plans, Reinertson said.

They should have supplies ready in case of a flood or earthquake, the most likely disasters to strike Snohomish County, she said.

At the Bothell facility, it appears the federal government is well on its way to having a ready stockpile.

Standing in front of a giant mobile generator capable of powering an office building, Lee Champagne proudly showed off some of FEMA’s fleet of vehicles.

Champagne runs the Mobile Emergency Response Support detachment for the Northwest and West Coast. He rallied to Chehalis last December when floodwaters stranded the southern Washington town.

“We have all the toys,” he said “Whatever we need to operate in a federal disaster.”

Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Everett
Judge sentences man, 73, for intending to have sex with ‘teen’ in Everett

The Arizona man sent explicit images to an agent posing as a 13-year-old. Investigators found images of child sexual abuse on his phone.

State’s draft of climate action plan open for public comment

Residents can submit public comments or climate-related stories online through Aug. 22.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

The Edmonds School Board discusses budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds school board approves 2025-26 budget

After facing an estimated $8.5 million shortfall earlier in the year, the board passed a balanced budget Tuesday.

A wall diagram shows the “journey of the ballot” at the new Elections Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County Auditor: No need for feds to meddle with state or local elections

Garth Fell’s comments were in response to a report of Justice Department mulling criminal charges against election officials.

Edmonds Police Chief Loi Dawkins speaks after the city council approved her appointment on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds City Council confirms new police chief

Assistant Chief Loi Dawkins will begin in the role Aug. 1. She has more than 23 years of law enforcement experience, including three years in Edmonds.

The Edmonds City Council discuss the levy during a city council meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds votes to place levy lid lift on the ballot

By a vote of 5-2, the council decided to put the $14.5 million property tax levy lid lift to voters in November.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.