By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director

Why It Matters

National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, encourages everyone to take proactive steps to prepare for disasters. Here in King County, flooding is our most common natural disaster. Major storms and river flooding can occur with little warning, and the impacts can be devastating, including damaged homes, closed roads, power outages, and even personal injury.

But there’s good news: A few simple actions now can make all the difference when a flood strikes.

How to Be Flood Ready – Before a Flood

Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, here are key steps to take this month.

Know Your Flood Risk

Use the King County FEMA Flood Map to find out if your property is in a floodplain.

Stay Informed

• Download the King County Flood Warning App for near real-time updates.
• Sign up for flood alerts via text or email.
• Call the Flood Warning Center at 206‑296‑8200 for the latest updates during storms.

Get flood insurance

Standard property insurance does not cover flood damage, and new flood insurance policies can take 30 days to take effect. Visit floodsmart.gov or call 877-336-2627 to get flood insurance.

Create a Flood Emergency Kit

Keep a waterproof bin stocked with essentials:

• First aid supplies, medications, and hygiene items
• Flashlights, batteries, a radio, and phone chargers
• Non-perishable food and water for at least three days
• Copies of important documents and some cash
• Warm clothes, blankets, pet supplies, and comfort items for children

Make a Plan

• Practice evacuation routes with your family.
• Identify an out-of-state emergency contact.
• Know how to shut off utilities safely.

Safeguard Your Property

• Move valuables and equipment to higher ground.
• Anchor fuel tanks and elevate chemicals.
• Use sandbags and install check valves in sewer traps to prevent backflow.

How to Be Flood Ready – During a Flood

If you find yourself in a flood event, here are some important steps that can help keep you and your family safe until the floodwaters recede.

Turn around, don’t drown

Never drive or walk through floodwater—even 12 inches of water can knock you down or carry away a car.

Follow emergency alerts

• Listen to local weather reports, emergency radio, or King County Emergency Alert notifications.
• Watch for evacuation orders and leave right away if told to do so.

Shut off utilities if safe

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.
• Move to high ground with a flashlight and your mobile phone.

How to Be Flood Ready – After a Flood

Just because the floodwaters have receded, doesn’t mean the dangers have passed. Here are steps to take following a flood event.

Wait for the all-clear

• Don’t re‑enter 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

• Learn about safe cleanup methods.
• Always wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing.

Document key 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 to start a claim.

Help Protect Our Floodplains

Floodplains are a natural defense against flood risk. Keeping them healthy protects people, property, and the environment.
You can help by:

• Never dumping waste or yard debris in storm drains or waterways
• Sweeping—not hosing—driveways and sidewalks
• Checking with King County Permitting before starting any project in a floodplain

Let’s Be Flood Ready – Together

Follow us on social media for updates about flood risk reduction projects and programs and flood preparedness tips.