Be Flood Ready

The King County Flood Control District’s Be Flood Ready webpage serves as a comprehensive, easy-to-understand flood preparedness guide that combines public safety information, emergency planning resources, flood insurance education, stewardship messages, and updates on the King County Flood Control District’s work. Flood preparedness is a shared responsibility, and this webpage will help residents take simple actions now to Be Flood Ready.

Flood Phases

King County uses five phases to reflect river flood conditions. The higher the phase, the more water is flowing in our rivers and the more likely we are to experience flooding.

Phase 0

No flooding expected.

Phase 1 – Prepare

  • No flooding typically occurs.
  • King County staff are on alert, and residents should start watching conditions more closely.

Phase 2 – Minor Flooding

  • Erosion, flood damage, and road closures are possible.
  • The King County Flood Warning Center opens, and staff are available 24 hours a day. More information about the Flood Warning Center is provided below in the During the Flood section.

Phase 3 – Moderate Flooding

  • Flooding of varied depth may occur.
  • Multiple road closures, including arterials, are possible.
  • The Flood Warning Center remains open.
  • Flood Patrol staff visit flood-prone areas and inspect flood risk reduction structures.

Phase 4 – Severe Flooding

  • Extensive flooding with fast moving water and debris.
  • Widespread road closures throughout river valleys.
  • Flood Warning Center remains open.
  • Flood Patrol staff increase the frequency of inspections.
  • Sustained saturation may weekend some levees. Flood conditions could change quickly.

Be Flood Ready: A Step-By-Step Guide

A few simple actions can make the difference between safety and loss in a flood. Use the following checklist to Be Flood Ready and prepare for floods now – and share this information with your family and friends!

Before the Flood

Green River

You can do your part by knowing the risk of of flooding in your area, sign up for flood alerts, and prepare for evacuation when necessary.

  • Read the Flood Control District’s annual Be Flood Ready Brochure. It has great information on flood preparation, provides river flood phase information, and is interpreted in over 20 languages.
  • Check out the Flood Risk Map to see if you are located within a floodplain.
  • Get Flood Insurance. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding, so ask about flood insurance coverage.
  • Sign up for free automated Flood Alerts via e-mail, text, or voice messaging to receive alerts on the river(s) that impact you.
  • Download the Flood Warning App for near-real-time river information, such as gauge data, forecasts, maps, and peak flow events.
  • Safeguard your property: move vehicles, equipment, and valuables to higher ground; anchor fuel tanks and store chemicals above flood levels; and install check valves in sewer traps to prevent backups.
  • If heavy rain or flooding is forecast, place sandbags to block water from entering buildings. Sandbags are a simple, yet effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage. Sandbag materials are free to King County residents.
  • Learn how to build, maintain, and store a disaster supply kit.
  • Explain flood dangers to younger family members. Public Health – Seattle & King County have great resources to help explain disasters and emergencies including Disaster Buddies coloring book and In Deep Water, a Survivor Tales comic book.
  • Flooding can impact everyone. Make It Through has resources and helpful checklists for hearing challenges, mobility challenges, people with disabilities, special medical needs, visually impaired, and service animals.
  • King Tides are the highest predicted tides of the year. They are above the highest water level reached by an average daily high tide. Costal communities should take precautions during King Tides as they may cause local tidal flooding. When a King Tide coincides with a heavy rain event, the flood risks can increase. The King County Flood Control District relies on the University of Washington’s King Tide Calendar for the predicted King Tides in the King County/Seattle area.

During the Flood

Snoqualmie River. NE Woodinville Duval Rd closed during Dec. 2025 flooding.

During a flood, prioritize your safety! Please call 911 if you are experiencing a flood emergency. Here are some more items for you to consider during a flood event.

Water is Powerful. Turn Around, Don’t Drown

0 inches
fast-moving flood water can sweep a person off their feet
0 inches
water can move most cars off the road
0 feet
rushing water can carry away most vehicles

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never drive or walk through floodwater – 6 inches of water can knock you down, and 12 inches can carry away most cars. Avoid all contact with floodwaters
  • Contact the Flood Warning Center for up-to-date information and resources during a storm at 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263.
  • Follow emergency alerts. Monitor local weather reports and forecasts through the National Weather Service. Listen emergency radio or ALERT King County emergency notifications. Monitor media for evacuation orders and leave right away if told to do so.
  • Stay up-to-date on road closures in King County.
  • Shut off utilities. Turn off electricity, gas, and water at the main source only if you can do so safely.
  • If you can’t safely evacuate, call 911 and move to high ground with a flashlight and your mobile phone.

After the Flood

Cedar River. Dec. 2025 flooding.

Just like during a flood, after a flood, you should continue to prioritize your safety. Here are some post-flood tips.

  • Wait for the all clear. Don’t reenter your home or business until officials say it’s safe. Floodwaters can hide structural damage, contamination, and electrical hazards.
  • Check your utilities. Have a licensed professional inspect gas, water, and electrical systems before turning them back on.
  • Clean up safely. Always wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing. Learn more about how to safely clean a house after a flood.
  • Document information. Record the high-water mark inside and outside your property. Take photos and video of all damage before starting repairs. Keep receipts for repairs and cleanup costs. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Protect Floodplains and Your Community

Healthy floodplains are nature’s first line of defense against flooding. Building responsibly and caring for these areas helps keep people, property, and the environment safe. Here are ways you can help:

Build Smart

  • If your property is in a floodplain, you need a permit for almost any project.
  • Repairs or improvements that cost more than 50% of your building’s value must be elevated or flood-proofed to meet safety standards.
  • Before you start a project, contact your local permitting agency or the King County Department of Local Services, Permitting Division at 206-296-6600 or kingcounty.gov/permits.

Keep Floodplains Healthy

  • Never dump waste, debris, or yard waste into storm drains, creeks, or rivers.
  • Dispose of litter and pet waste in the trash.
  • Sweep (don’t hose) sidewalks, driveways, and streets to prevent pollutants from washing into waterways.
  • Keep storm drains clear so water can flow freely.

Additional Flood Resources