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.

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.

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.