EVERETT, Wash., November 2, 2022 – While many Western Washington residents welcomed the return of the fall rainy season, increased precipitation has prompted flood concerns in some areas. To assist residents before, during and after a flood event, Snohomish County departments – Conservation and Natural Resources Surface Water Management (SWM), Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Planning and Development Services (PDS), and Public Works (PW) – are providing information and tools to assist residents with flood response and recovery.
Resources Provided by Conservation and Natural Resources Surface Water Management (SWM):
- 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.
- Drainage Investigation Request – Use this form to report a drainage problem.
- 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. Learn about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) funds programs under which Snohomish County can sponsor an application on a homeowner’s behalf.
- Flood Information Center Webpage – Visit this one-stop flood information resource.
- Flood Recovery Guide – Review this guide to learn practical steps to help recover after a flood.
- Real-Time Flood Information System – Residents can view real-time river depths and flows as well as rain gauges throughout the county. This online tool offers graphs, historical data and an interactive map.
Resources Provided by Public Works (PW):
- Clogged Drains or Culverts – Call Road Maintenance at 425-388-7500 Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 am to 4 p.m. To report emergencies or flooding issues outside of these hours, call 911.
- Road Closure Map – Active county road closures are highlighted in red on the map. Click on the highlighted section to see why a road is closed. Starting November 21, 2022 through February 17, 2023, the closure map will be updated Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., but may be updated after hours during flood events at stage 3 or higher.
- Social Media Notices: Road Reports – Follow Public Works Facebook and Twitter accounts to learn about work being done by Public Works crews during inclement weather events.
Resources Provided by the Department of Emergency Management (DEM):
- SnoCoAlerts – Register to receive emergency alerts right to your smart phone during disasters.
- Snohomish County Public Safety Hub – DEM operates this one-stop resource to share emergency information, including real-time maps and guidance.
- Snohomish County Hazard Viewer – Explore interactive maps showing known natural hazards, including flood zones, earthquake faults, landslide history and the potential for wildfire.
- 2022 Disaster Preparedness Guide – Learn more about steps you can take to keep safe during flooding and a dozen other hazards that may occur here.
- Social Media Notices: Disaster/Flood News – Be sure to follow DEM’s Facebook and Twitter accounts to receive updates during severe weather events.
Resources Provided by Planning and Development Services (PDS):
- 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.
- Flood Hazard Determination Services – Residents can determine a specific property’s flood risk and regulatory base flood elevation.
- Flood Insurance Rate Maps (also known as DFIRM maps) – The flood hazard maps are the official maps on which 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.
About Snohomish County Public Works
The Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges and manages about 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 500 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201.
Visit http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks or follow the department on Facebook and Twitter for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Content Source: Snohomish County Government
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
