Puyallup Issues Flood Safety Guidelines

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  The City of Puyallup has released updated flood safety guidelines for residentsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guidelines include steps to prepare for slow-onset flooding“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 guidelines include steps to prepare for rapid-onset flooding“Rapid-onset floods occur more quickly, typically developing within hours or days. These types of floods usually occur in smaller watersheds experiencing heavy rainfall, particularly in mountainous and urban areas, and the water usually recedes within a few days.”
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  Slow-onset and rapid-onset flooding can occur in low-lying areas near waterways“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 systemsThe speed and duration of flooding can vary significantly: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.Rapid-onset floods occur more quickly, typically developing within hours or days. These types of floods usually occur in smaller watersheds experiencing heavy rainfall, particularly in mountainous and urban areas, and the water usually recedes within a few days.”
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  The city advises residents to check their property's flood hazard rating on Flood Smart.gov“Before a Flood Go to Flood Smart.gov to check your property's flood hazard rating.”
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  The city advises residents to develop family emergency plans“Develop a family emergency plan (include family pets) and practice your family emergency evacuation routes.”
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  The city advises residents to clear debris from gutters and storm drains“Help prevent localized flooding by clearing debris from gutters, downspouts and storm drains.”
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  The city recommends elevating utilities to protect homes from flood damage“Elevate and anchor critical utilities including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.”
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  The city recommends installing water alarms to protect homes from flood damage“Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement.”
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  Residents should follow city flood warnings“If the City posts a flood warning for your neighborhood, that means flooding will soon occur or is already occurring in that city area. If you are advised to evacuate, please do so immediately.”
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  Residents should evacuate immediately if instructed“If you are advised to evacuate, please do so immediately.”
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  The city warns against driving through flooded roads“DO NOT attempt to drive through a flooded road. DO NOT drive around a barricade. Roads may be washed out under flood waters. Barricades are positioned to keep you safe. Turn Around, Don't Drown!”
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  The city warns residents to 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. Stay out of basements or rooms where water is covering electrical outlets and/or submerging cords. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises, get out.”