People who live near rivers or in the floodplains of Snohomish County should take these steps to keep safe:
* Know if you live in a flood-prone area. To find out, 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 waters recede.
* Pay attention to flood watches and flood warnings.
* 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. Sandbag doorways and close storm shutters.
* Store your belongings high on shelves. Move livestock and vehicles to high ground.
* Make sure underground storage tanks are sealed. Install flood shields on doors and other openings to keep floodwaters out.
* Install a sump pump with backup power in crawl spaces or basements, and put back-flow prevention devices in sewer connections.
* Have flood insurance, and photograph and document your property and belongings.
* If faced with a flooding emergency, call 911.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
