Snohomish County has flood-prone areas along all of its rivers and streams. The largest flood plains are in the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Stillaguamish and Sauk river basins.
Floods sweep across those areas every three to 10 years on average. The high water often arrives in late fall, spurred by heavy rains and warming weather that melts mountain snow.
More than 24,600 people live in the county’s flood plains, according to recent county data.
Buildings in the flood zones include more than 7,400 houses, 1,300 mobile homes, 66 industrial or manufacturing sites, and 16 schools. All told, the homes, farms and businesses in the county’s flood plains are valued at more than $1 billion.
People who live in the flood plains should take the following steps before the water rises:
Find out if you live in a flood-prone area. Call the Snohomish County Department of Planning and Development Services at 425-388-3311.
Have an evacuation plan ready. Be sure to turn off gas, electricity and water lines if forced to leave your home. Also, plan ahead to stay somewhere else until floodwaters recede. To check emergency road closures during floods, go to the Snohomish County Web site at www1.co.snohomish.wa.us and search for “road closures.”
Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Even a four-wheel-drive truck can go out of control in just 8 inches of water.
Watch out for flood watches and flood warnings. Routinely check the National Weather Service Web site at www. weather.gov/seattle or call the weather service at 206-526-6087.
Keep emergency gear on hand, including a portable radio, cooking equipment, flashlights and batteries, drinking water, nonperishable foods, medicines and a first-aid kit.
Buy sand and sandbags and know how to use them. Pile sandbags in doorways and close storm shutters.
Store belongings on shelves. Move livestock and vehicles to high ground.
Make sure underground storage tanks are sealed. Install flood shields on doors and openings to keep the water out.
Install a sump pump with backup power in crawl spaces or basements, and put backflow prevention devices in sewer connections.
Have flood insurance, and photograph and document property and belongings.
For more information on flooding, call the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management at 425-388-5060.
Call 911 if faced with a flooding emergency.
Source: Snohomish County Public Works and Department of Emergency Management
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