Are you ready for flood season and the Howard Hanson Dam?

With summer no longer here, it is time to prepare for the winter months. With all the rain that falls this time of year, there is a greater chance of flooding due to the rivers rising. By preparing now, you can help your family and property stay safe when the rain begins.

This year we have a higher risk of flooding due to the problem at the Howard Hanson Dam. The higher risk is due to water seeping more rapidly through an earthen bank next to the dam after record high water last year. Until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) can make repairs, it must limit the amount of flood water it stores behind the dam.

If heavy and prolonged rain occurs this flood season (anywhere between October through March), many homes and businesses in the valley that don't typically see flood water--including parts of Auburn, Kent, Renton, South Seattle and Tukwila--could be flooded.

There could possibly be evacuations in some communities. Transportation routes and transit service could be disrupted, and power outages and sewage back-ups are possible even outside the immediate flood zone. Due to the power outages that could happen during this flood season, it is a good time to start looking for generators.

Does your homeowners policy cover damage caused by flood?

The answer to this question is no. Your homeowners policy does NOT cover damages caused by flooding. Your homeowners policy also does not cover sewer back-ups that happen because of flooding. You would need a flood insurance policy to cover those occurances. We would be happy to do a flood quote for you in order to see what kind of coverage you would need in case of a flood.

Here is a good website to look at for additional information about flooding:

King County Flooding Services

This website has all kinds of good links to look at to get prepared for flooding. They even have a link to take you to the site that will let you set up automated alerts. They can send you alerts by email or by phone (voice or text messages).

If you have any questions about flooding, please give our office a call!

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.

Planning is your best protection...

...against the unexpected.

Farmers is in the business of helping our customers get back to where they belong when the unexpected happens. Emergency planning can help you prepare for life's setbacks and to help restore your world to order when the unexpected happens.

Undergoing a life change? Events like getting married or retiring require a change in life planning. How will you handle the high cost of college tuition, the hassle of buying a new car, the worries of buying a new home or moving?

No insurance company offers more discounts than we do, and our industry-leading HelpPoint® claims service means you can count on us to be there when you need us. Anytime, day or night, just one call to (800) 435-7764 will help you restore your world to order - fast! Give me a call and I'll give you more information on all the many products and discounts my Farmers agency offers, whether it's auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance or something more specialized.