Puyallup Updates Flood Preparedness Guidelines

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  The City of Puyallup has updated its flood preparedness guidelines for residents living in low-lying areas near rivers, streams, or flood-prone zonesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The guidelines provide specific steps for preventing damage and staying safe during flood eventsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The city advises residents to check their property's flood hazard rating using Flood Smart“Before a Flood Go to Flood Smart 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 elevate critical utilities like electrical panels and water heaters“Elevate and anchor critical utilities including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.”
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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 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 guidelines include links to sandbag usage videos and brochures from King County“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 guidelines include links to sandbag usage videos and brochures from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers“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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  Residents are urged to clear debris from gutters and storm drains to prevent localized flooding“Help prevent localized flooding by clearing debris from gutters, downspouts and storm drains.”
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  Residents are urged to install battery-operated sump pumps for basement protection“Install a battery-operated pump in case of power failure.”
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  The city notes that floodwaters may contain contaminants like raw sewage or chemical waste“Floodwaters may be contaminated with raw sewage, chemical waste and other disease-spreadi”
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  The city notes that safety precautions are essential during flood events“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.If you live in a flood prone area or are camping in a low lying area, get to higher ground immediately.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!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.It is dangerous to walk through flooded areas. 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.Floodwaters may be contaminated with raw sewage, chemical waste and other disease-spreadi”