Surface Water Management Division

Steps to Avoid Flood Disasters - 
DURING a Flood

 If you are indoors 

• Keep a battery powered radio tuned to a local station; follow all emergency instructions. Call Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management for current information on flood levels and road closures, 425-388-5088. 
• When flooding is imminent, but only if time permits:
  • Turn off all gas and water mains at the main valve.
  • If your main electrical switch is in a dry area, turn it off. If it is not, leave it on and get to safety.
• Be prepared to evacuate. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters become too deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.
• If you are caught in your building by rapidly rising water, call 911 for help. Bring your family and pets to a higher floor or to the roof. Take warm, weatherproof clothing, a flashlight, a portable radio, and a cellular phone.

 If you are outdoors 

• Stay out of flooded areas.
• Climb to higher ground and stay there until the flood waters recede or until you are rescued.

 If you are driving 

• Do not drive where water is over the road. Flooded roads may obscure high hazard situations such as washouts. Do not drive past barricades.
• If you come to a flooded area, turn around immediately and go another way.
• If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Walk to higher ground in the direction you came from.
• Keep your radio tuned to a local station and listen for flood updates and road closures.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Back roads and shortcuts may be blocked by flood waters. Most deaths from floods occur when people drive on flooded roads.