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Be Prepared
Before a Flood
- Buy flood insurance. Visit the National Flood Insurance Program website or contact your agent.
- Have an emergency plan for home, work, and school.
- Know several safe routes to high ground from your home, school or business.
- Establish meeting places in case family members are separated.
- Designate an out-of-state emergency contact to call if local phone lines are down.
- Assemble an emergency kit.
- Coastal residents need to secure loose items so waves and storm surges do not pick up the items, potentially injuring someone or damaging property.
- For more information, visit the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) website.
During a Flood
- Do not walk or drive through flooded areas. Follow recommended evacuation routes.
- Monitor local news for emergency updates. Be prepared to evacuate. If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it and walk to safety in the direction you came from.
- If you are unable to safely leave a building due to rising water, first call 911. Then, move to a higher floor or the roof. Take warm, waterproof clothing, a flashlight, a cell phone and a battery or solar powered radio.
- If possible, turn off all utilities, including power and gas. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is completely in a dry area.
After a Flood
- Only go home when authorities say it is safe.
- Before re-entering your home, be cautious of potential structural damage, gas leaks, electrical shorts, and live wires.
- Have a professional check your heating, electrical panel, outlets, and appliances for safety before you use them.
- For safe clean-up of food, water supply and property contact the Snohomish County Health District at 425-339-5200.
- Pump out flooded areas gradually to avoid structural damage.
- Document your losses. Photograph damages and record repair costs. Contact your insurance agent for flood loss claims.
- Before you begin repairs, get a permit. Contact 360-793-2231.