Flood preparedness for pool facilities

Minimize flood damage before a flood

The best way to minimize flood damage is to prepare in advance.

• Make an emergency response plan. The plan should include a list of people to help in an emergency, such as a contractor, plumber, electrician, and insurance agent. You should anticipate problems and possible solutions to help protect your swimming pool and hot tub and reduce damage to the equipment, inventory and operation. This contingency planning will help you speed up recovery after a flood.
• Buy flood insurance now; it takes 30 days for a policy to take effect. Standard insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
• Reduce inventory of supplies to minimal levels in order to reduce losses. Discard old or unnecessary items.
• Move as much of your inventory as possible to a secure area above the anticipated flood level or to an off-site commercial location. These include disinfection chemicals, acids, agents, and supplies used in the operation (chemicals must be kept dry and not mixed together due to risk of explosion); filter media; furniture, tables, chairs, carpets, and furnishing that are porous; electrical equipment, computers, televisions, and tools; fitness equipment, play equipment, life jackets, flotation mats and boards; and any other portable equipment or items.
• Tie down loose items that can float to prevent them from being carried away by floodwaters.
• Drop off unwanted hazardous products at a collection site. Empty containers can go in the garbage. Qualifying small businesses in King County may use disposal services.
• Contact the Hazardous Waste Management Program at 206-296-4692, Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm (except holidays)
• Learn about sandbags and where to get them. Call the Flood Warning Center at 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263.
• Safeguard electrical, natural gas, or propane heating equipment. Know how to properly turn off equipment, outside main gas valve, electricity at the main breaker, and the main water valve when flooding is imminent.
• Develop a plan for monitoring and maintaining sump pumps, downspouts, plumbing, exterior surface grading, storm drains, and other facilities that can contribute to flooding.
• Install sewer backflow valves. Flooding can cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up into your facilities through plumbing drain pipes. Sewer backflow valves are designed to block drain pipes temporarily and prevent reverse flow of sewage in the lines. They should be installed by a licensed plumber or contractor who will ensure the work is done correctly with the appropriate permits and according to local codes.
• Know who to call and how to protect yourself in a flood emergency. Post a sign in a prominent location identifying the names and phone numbers of key personnel who can be contacted in the event of an emergency.
• Consider a plan to continue operation (a business continuity plan). The first public alert may be 4 to 5 days before a potential flood, when the weather forecast is predicting heavy rain for more than 4 days. The second stage of a public alert may come 1 to 2 days before a possible flood when you may need to start implementing more of your plan. The third and final stage of public alert may be the direction to evacuate the area and you have to close your facilities and leave the area.

What to do during a flood

Pool facilities must immediately close if you have a flood, fire, no electricity, no running water, contaminated water, sewage back-up, or any circumstance that may endanger the public's health. Floodwaters will carry many contaminants that are hazardous to your health. Facilities that have been impacted by the effects of flooding cannot operate until the health department grants approval.

• Stay tuned to area news media for current flood and weather information. Follow emergency instructions. Evacuate when told to do so.
• If you do have electricity, do not turn on wet electrical equipment to avoid electric shock, overheat, or fire.

If you do not have electricity

• Never use a generator, charcoal or gas grill, or a camp stove indoors. Without proper ventilation, there may be toxic fumes (carbon monoxide) that may cause injury or death.
  
• As a safety precaution for utility workers, notify your utility company that you are using a generator.

After a flood

Once floodwaters have receded and clean-up begins, take the following safety precautions before re-entering your facilities.

Re-entry procedures

Buildings affected by floods can pose serious hazards to re-entry, even when waters have receded. Wet equipment and damaged gas lines can cause electrocution, burns, and fires. It is safest to have professional technicians and your local building department check out the building before re-entry.

• Return only when notified to do so by officials.
• Check your building for structural safety before entering.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave immediately. Call the gas company or the local fire department.
• Do not turn on the main gas valve. The main gas valve must be turned on by a licensed gas service technician.
• Do not use flooded equipment (gas/electrical), electrical outlets, switch boxes, or power breaker panels until your local utility or other qualified personnel have checked them.
• Do not use gas or electrical hot water systems until they have been thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician.
• Do not use any equipment used in the operation unless directed by the manufacturer or a qualified service technician that the equipment can be cleaned and sanitized and put back into operation.
• Avoid wading in standing water as it may contain unseen hazards.

Reopening guidelines

Pool facilities that have voluntarily closed during a flood should verify the following conditions before resuming operation.

• Electricity and natural gas (if applicable) services are available.
• All power breakers have been properly reset as needed (especially at the hot water heater and automatic gas supply solenoid).
• Sanitary wastewater disposal system is available.
• Toilet facilities are fully operable.
• Safe drinking water supply is available.
• Hot (minimum 100ºF) and cold drinking water under pressure are available for hand washing.
• Hand washing facilities are fully operable and provided with soap and paper towels.
• All pool equipment are in proper working order. If there are any questions about pool safety and health, contact Public Health at 206-263-9566.
• All surfaces exposed to floodwaters are washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
• Adequate and approved ventilation and lighting are available.
• Adequate and approved ventilation for gas-powered equipment is operable.

All pool facilities must be in compliance with the Pool Code prior to re-opening. If the Health & Environmental Investigator closed your facilities, you must remain closed until you obtain approval to re-open.

Related emergencies

Your pool facilities may not be directly affected by floodwaters; however, you may still be affected by other flood-related problems, such as no power, no water, no sanitary sewage disposal, etc.

• Limited Water Usage - Many areas outside of the flood zone may be issued orders to cut back on water usage so that the 'downstream' effect of overflowing sewage is reduced. It is normally difficult for public pool facilities to reduce water usage; however, if no other choices, use water wisely.
• Boil Water Order - If the water district issues a 'boil water order', it is not safe to open your pool facilities.
• Power Outage - If you have no electricity or no gas, it is not safe to operate.