The City of Puyallup is reminding residents to prepare for flooding, which city officials describe as the most common natural disaster in the United States. The guidance targets residents who live near rivers, streams, culverts, or downstream from dams and levees — all features present in and around the Puyallup area.
The city's preparation checklist includes several specific steps. Residents should check their property's flood hazard rating at FloodSmart.gov and contact their insurance agent about flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program. The city also recommends developing a family evacuation plan, identifying roads likely to flood, and learning alternate routes.
For home protection, the city advises clearing debris from gutters and storm drains, elevating appliances at least 12 inches above projected flood elevation, and installing a battery-operated sump pump in case of power failure. Residents should also photograph valuables stored at home.
During an active flood warning, the city urges residents to evacuate immediately if told to do so. Officials stress that just six inches of moving water can knock down an adult, and 12 inches of water can carry away a small vehicle. Floodwaters may also be contaminated with sewage and chemical waste. Residents are told never to drive around barricades or through flooded roads.
The Puyallup River and its tributaries have historically caused flooding in the region. Residents can visit the city's utilities and infrastructure page for links to sandbag instructional videos and additional emergency resources. Source: City of Puyallup — Utilities & Infrastructure, scraped March 26, 2026.