With climate scientists citing a likely “La Nada” winter weather pattern that can increase the chance of extreme storms, King County leaders urged residents to prepare now for potential flood emergencies in the months ahead. King County and the King County Flood Control District have proclaimed October as Flood Awareness Month so here is a checklist of things that you can do to prepare for a flood.
1. Register to receive King County Flood Alerts. Go to http://bit.ly/kcfloodalerts.
2. Download the King County Flood Warning app to get real-time river flows, flood stage data, and forecasts during the upcoming storm season. Available for iPhones, Windows and Android. Visit http://bit.ly/floodmobileapp to download.
3. Check out the How to prepare for flooding webpage and learn more helpful tips about what to do before, during and after a flood.
4. Buy flood insurance. It takes 30 days for a policy to take effect, and a standard insurance policy will not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent or visit http://www.floodsmart.gov.
5. Know ahead of time the status of your driving route by signing up for free King County Road Alerts. Sign up for alerts.
6. Monitor area news media for information when severe weather is predicted. Listen for alerts about evacuation routes, and monitor local road conditions and comply with closure signs.
7. Protect your property from flood hazards by storing valuables and electronics higher, and by moving vehicles and equipment to high ground before flood waters rise.
8. Use sandbags to protect your property. Find information about sandbag distribution.
9. Rake and shovel debris from the drains on your street.
10. Remove chemical hazards from your home before a flood. Visit http://bit.ly/beforeaflood for how.
Find more tips on how to protect yourself and your family at http://www.kingcounty.gov/flood. Help us spread the word about being flood smart by sharing this checklist on your social platforms. We’re on Facebook at King County Rivers and Twitter at @KCDNRP.
