How to prepare for a flood...

1. Make an emergency plan and assemble an emergency kit.
2. Buy flood insurance now; it takes 30 days for a policy to take effect. Review your current policy; a standard insurance policy will not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent.
3. Purchase an inexpensive AM radio or NOAA weather radio with batteries in case of power outages for urgent news day and night.
4. Monitor area news media for information if severe weather is predicted.
5. Listen for alerts about evacuation routes or visit the king county website for the latest evacuation route information.
6. Monitor local road conditions and obey closure signs.
7. Take medications and supplies with you, for those with medical needs.
8. Be ready to relocate animals and livestock out of harm's way.
9. Minimize flood damage:

• Store valuables and electronics higher on the ground floor, on the second story or in your attic.
• Store chemicals above possible flood levels; recycle them or dispose of them at the King County Wastemobile.
• Ensure underground storage tanks are sealed and secure.
• Learn how to use sandbags and locate where you can buy them or get them ahead of time if needed for flood fighting. Some cities are giving out sand bags to residents. You can look on your cities webpage to see if that applies to you.
• Move vehicles and equipment to high ground before flood waters rise.
• Keep storm drains free of leaves and other debris.
• Know who to call and how to protect yourself if flooding leads to sewage overflows into homes and businesses.