Contact:
Bill Craig Scott North
Communications Specialist Public Information Officer
Bill.Craig@snoco.org Scott.North@snoco.org
425-388-3884 425-388-5373
Snohomish County Provides Resources to Help You Prepare for Flood Season
Online resources provide information on flood risks, preparedness, and recovery
EVERETT, Wash., October 11, 2019 – The fall and winter months have arrived, and so has the likelihood of significant flooding. To help you get ready, Snohomish County has developed numerous resources that you can access before, during, and after a flood event. Snohomish County Surface Water Management (SWM), the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and Planning and Development Services (PDS) all provide information and tools related to flood preparedness and recovery. These resources focus on topics such as flood risks, real-time flood information, and steps you can take to protect your family and home from flooding.
Resources Provided by Snohomish County
Public Works Surface Water Management (SWM):
a. Annual Flood Safety Guide – This guide provides information on a wide range of flood-related topics, such as researching your property’s flood risk, protecting your home from flooding, preparing for a flood, what to do in the event of a flood, and steps to recover from a flood. Download a copy at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6787
b. Flood Information Center Webpage – A one-stop flood information source can be found at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/796
c. Elevations, Relocations & Buyout
Technical Assistance – Owners of flood-prone homes may seek one-on-one assistance with projects that will provide cost-effective, long-term relief from repeated flood damages. Details at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/785
d. Real-Time Flood Information System – This website enables residents to view real-time river depths and flows as well as rain gauges throughout the county. This online tool offers maps, graphs, historical data and an interactive map. Users can access online info via smartphones as well. Available at: https://snohomish.onerain.com
e. Financial Assistance – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds programs under which Snohomish County can sponsor an application on a homeowner’s behalf. More information at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/785
Resources Provided by Planning
and Development Services (PDS):
a. Flood
Hazard Determination Services – Residents can use this service to determine a specific property’s flood risk and regulatory base flood elevation. Contact PDS for more information: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2927/Flood-Hazard
b. Flood Insurance Rate Maps (also known as FIRM maps) – The preliminary flood hazard maps are the official maps on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delineated special flood hazard areas and risk zones. They show the location of a property relative to special flood hazard areas, which is one of the factors determining flood insurance rates. For more information, see: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/893/DFIRM-Floodplain-Maps
c. Development
Requirements – Staff in Planning and Development Services assist property owners with understanding how to construct or retrofit their new or existing homes to be safer from flooding. Call PDS for more information: 425-388-3311.
Resources Provided by the Department of Emergency Management (DEM):
a. GovDelivery (Public Alert) – Residents can receive information and tips on disaster preparedness. Register at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/3862
b. Essentials of Flood Preparedness List – This resource will help you assemble an emergency supplies kit, prepare an emergency plan, and stay informed. Details at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6783
c. Snohomish County Hazard Viewer - Explore interactive maps showing known natural hazards, including flood zones, earthquake faults, landslide history and the potential for wildfire. Details at: https://bit.ly/2AKEbhH
d. SnoCoAlerts – Residents can register and receive emergency alerts, such as those related to evacuations, crime/imminent danger and local area emergencies. Register at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/620/Public-Alert-Resources
About
Snohomish County Public Works
The Snohomish County Public Works Department constructs and maintains county roads; controls and manages surface water quantity, quality, and fish habitats; and oversees the recycling and disposal of solid waste. The department’s main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. For more information about Snohomish County Public Works, visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks.