Puyallup Releases Flooding Preparedness Guide

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  Puyallup residents received updated flood preparedness guidance from the City of Puyallup Utilities & Infrastructure department on August 5, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guide explains how flooding occurs“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 includes slow-onset floods that develop over days“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 includes rapid-onset floods that happen within hours“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 guide lists specific actions for residents living near waterwaysNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guide suggests elevating utilities 12 inches above projected flood levels“If your furnace, water heater, washer and dryer are in the basement or flood prone area, place them on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12-inches above the projected flood elevation.”
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  The guide suggests installing water alarms in basements“Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement.”
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  The City urges residents to check flood hazard ratings at 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 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 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 notes that just 12 inches of water can sweep away a small vehicle“Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles - only twelve inches can carry away a small vehicle.”