Puyallup Residents Get Flooding Preparedness Tips

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  The City of Puyallup released updated flood preparedness guidance on August 2, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The information details how flooding occurs and steps residents can take to protect their homes and familiesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Flooding can happen in Puyallup due to heavy rain, snowmelt, or blocked waterwaysNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The city advises residents in low-lying areas near the Puyallup River to prepare for both slow-onset and rapid-onset floodsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Key steps include checking flood hazard ratings, developing emergency plans, elevating utilities, and installing water alarms“Before a Flood Go to Flood Smart.gov to check your property's flood hazard rating.Learn about the National Flood Insurance Program.Contact your insurance agent to find out what coverage you have or may need.Develop a family emergency plan (include family pets) and practice your family emergency evacuation routes. Learn which roadways are likely to flood and find an alternate route.Listen to the radio or television for reports of flood danger.If you have access to sandbags or other materials, use them to protect your home from flood waters if you have sufficient time to do so. 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.Help prevent localized flooding by clearing debris from gutters, downspouts and storm drains.Elevate and anchor critical utilities including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.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.Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement. Install a battery-operated pump in case of power failure.Elevate or move your furniture and valuables to a safe place such as an attic or highest floor of your home.Take photos of the valuables you keep in your residence.”
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  Residents should monitor city alerts for flood warnings“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 follow instructions to turn off utilities and evacuate if needed“If you are advised to evacuate, please do so immediately. Follow these tips to stay safe: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 city emphasizes that 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 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!”