Puyallup Flood Preparedness Guide Released

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  The City of Puyallup has released a comprehensive flood preparedness guide for residents.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U. S.“Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States and can happen anywhere.”
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  Flooding can occur anywhere, particularly in low-lying areas near rivers or streams.“Flooding can occur anywhere. Flooding can occur during any season, but some areas of the country are at greater risk at certain times of the year. It is particularly important to be prepared for flooding if you live in a low-lying area near a body of water, such as a river, stream, or culvert; along a coast; or downstream from a dam or levee.”
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  The guide outlines how flooding happens, including rivers overflowing from excessive rain, blocked waterways, and broken containment systems.“Flooding can occur in several ways:Rivers and lakes cannot contain excessive rain or snowmeltExcessive rain or snowmelt cannot be fully absorbed into the groundWaterways are blocked with debris or ice and overflowWater containment systems break, such as levees, dams, or water or sewer systems”
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  The guide explains slow-onset floods that develop over days or weeks.“Flooding can occur slowly as rain continues to fall for many days. This type of flooding, sometimes called a slow-onset flood, can take a week to develop and can last for months before floodwaters recede.”
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  The guide explains rapid-onset floods that occur within hours.“Rapid-onset floods occur more quickly, typically developing within hours or days.”
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  Puyallup residents are advised to check their flood hazard rating on Flood Smart.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Puyallup residents are advised to develop emergency plans.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Puyallup residents are advised to secure homes with sandbags or elevated utilities.No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The city urges residents to clear debris from gutters.“Help prevent localized flooding by clearing debris from gutters, downspouts and storm drains.”
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  The city urges residents to install water alarms.“Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement.”
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  The city urges residents to move valuables to higher floors.“Elevate or move your furniture and valuables to a safe place such as an attic or highest floor of your home.”
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  During floods, residents should avoid driving through water.“DO NOT attempt to drive through a flooded road. DO NOT drive around a barricade.”
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  During floods, residents should stay away from downed power lines.“Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electric current passes easily through water and can be deadly.”
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  During floods, residents should evacuate immediately if warned.“If you are advised to evacuate, please do so immediately.”
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  The guide stresses that even six inches of moving water can knock over an adult.“As little as six inches of moving water can knock over an adult.”
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  The guide stresses that twelve inches of moving water can sweep away a small vehicle.“Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles - only twelve inches can carry away a small vehicle.”