Puyallup Releases Flood Safety Tips

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  Puyallup Utilities & Infrastructure Department released a flood safety guide on August 14, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The flood safety guide details how to prepare for and respond to flooding eventsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guide covers causes of flooding“What Causes Flooding?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 covers types of flood eventsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guide covers specific actions residents should take before and during floodsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guide highlights that Puyallup residents in low-lying areas near the Puyallup River should be particularly preparedNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guide highlights that Puyallup residents in low-lying areas near streams should be particularly preparedNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guide highlights that Puyallup residents in low-lying areas near culverts should be particularly preparedNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guide provides instructions for elevating utilities“Elevate and anchor critical utilities including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.”
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  The guide provides instructions for using sandbags“Learn how to properly fill sandbags, courtesy of our partners at King County: https://vimeo.com/79916764?fl=pl&fe=vl or check out this brochure from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers: How to Use Sandbags.”
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  The guide provides instructions for installing water alarms“Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement. Install a battery-operated pump in case of power failure.”
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  The guide provides instructions for creating emergency evacuation plans“Develop a family emergency plan (include family pets) and practice your family emergency evacuation routes.”
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  The city urges 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 urges residents to contact insurance agents about coverage“Contact your insurance agent to find out what coverage you have or may need.”
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  The guide states that during flood warnings, residents should immediately turn off utilities“You may be instructed to turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve at your property.”
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  The guide states that during flood warnings, residents should avoid 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 guide states that during flood warnings, 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. 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.”
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  The guide notes that only 12 inches of moving water can carry away a small vehicle“As little as six inches of moving water can knock over an adult. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles - only twelve inches can carry away a small vehicle.”
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  The guide notes that floodwaters may contain hazardous contaminants“Floodwaters may be contaminated with raw sewage, chemical waste and other disease-spr”