October is Flood Awareness Month in King County — a reminder to prepare for potential flooding on Issaquah Creek and other local waterways.
In Issaquah since 1975, significant floods have occurred in 1986, twice in 1990, 1996 and 2009. You can take steps now to prepare for wet weather and potential flooding:
- See if you are in a flood-prone area, based on previous experience (talk to your neighbors) or check our floodplain maps.
- Become familiar with the Issaquah Flood Warning System.
- Review what you need to do before, during and after a flood. Make sure all family members know the emergency phone numbers. Learn the safest route from your home or business to safe, high ground. Set up your own neighborhood notification network. Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, flashlights, fresh batteries, non-perishable food and drinking water on hand.
- Work with neighbors and share information on preparedness and previous experiences. Remember, the next flood may be greater than anything you have seen before.
- Take actions to minimize damages. Store valuables at a higher elevation (second story if possible). Store household chemicals above flood levels. Ensure that underground storage tanks are fully secure. Install flood drain plugs and septic backflow valves to prevent backflow of water into your home.
- Keep drains and grates on catch basins free of leaves and debris.
- Purchase flood insurance to protect your structure and possessions from flood damage losses. Homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover flood loss.
- If your home has a history of flooding, be prepared to place sandbags around your home.
- Consider long-term measures to reduce flooding impacts, such as flood-proofing and elevating your house.
To learn more about Issaquah's flood warning system, and ways to prepare, go to issaquahwa.gov/flood.