How to prepare for flooding

Before a flood

Find out if you are in a flood prone area

• iMAP View custom online maps using King County data including parcels, floodway and floodplain boundaries.
• Visit our Historical Flooding page for more information on how to use iMAP.
• FEMA Flood Map Service CenterOrder or view current Flood Insurance Rate Maps online, learn how to read them, or request a map change. Registration is required, but there is no charge to view maps.

Sign up to receive early warning about potential flooding

• Get Flood Alerts by e-mail, text or voice message about specific rivers and flood phase levels.
• Install the Flood Warning App to track changing flood conditions in real-time.

Purchase flood insurance to protect your home and your belongings

• Flood insurance is available for homeowners and renters.
• Contact your insurance agent to purchase flood insurance.
• If you don’t have an insurance agent or yours doesn’t sell flood insurance, call the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-427-4661 or visit the National Flood Insurance Program website for more information. 

Update flood procedures every year for your family, farm, or business

• Make sure everyone knows King County’s emergency phone numbers and when to call them.
• Learn several routes from your home or business to high ground.
• Plan for housing in case you need to evacuate your home.
• Identify a meeting place and share phone numbers in case your family is separated by rising flood waters.
• Pick an out-of-state friend or relative to call with information if local lines are busy.
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water lines. 

Keep emergency supplies on hand

• Build a disaster supply kit.
• Some items to include in your kit are: a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, flashlights, fresh batteries, non-perishable food and drinking water, essential medicines and a first-aid kit. 
• Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio.

Protect your property and pets from flood hazards

• Move vehicles, equipment, livestock, and pets to higher ground.
• Close storm shutters and cover basement window wells. 
• Store valuables at higher elevations such as a second floor or attic.  
• Store important documents in waterproof containers. 
• Anchor and secure propane tanks and other fuel containers.  
• Make sure that underground storage tanks are fully sealed and secure.  
• Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains. 

Reduce or dispose of chemical products before flood season

• Review hazardous waste tips for your home and business. Store any remaining household chemicals above flood levels.

Additional ways to prepare

• Learn how to use sandbags to prevent flood damages
• Keep street drains, storm grates and flap gates free of leaves and other debris. Call the 24/7 Road Helpline at 206-477-8100 if you need assistance.
• Talk to neighbors, share your experiences with flooding and information on how to prepare. Remember, the next flood can always be bigger than floods you have seen before!