cause loss of life and damage to structures, crops, land, flood control structures, roads, and utilities. Floods also cause erosion, landslides and can transport debris and toxic products that cause secondary damage. Flood damage in Washington State exceeds damage by all other natural hazards.

There are many actions you can take to reduce your risk of flooding. These can include wet and/or dry flood-proofing your home, building flood walls, clearing storm drains, depression gardening, and especially - establishing your need for flood insurance. Learn more...  

• Flood Related Information:
  • What is Urban Flooding?
  • Why You Need Flood Insurance
  • Myths and Fact about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
  • Lookout for Landslides

• Flood "How To" Information:
  • Preventing Flooding Around Your Home
• Pumping Out a Flooded Basement
• Protecting Your Home From Backflow
• Cleaning Up and Drying Out Your Home
• The Problem With Mold

To protect yourself and your loved ones if there is a major flood in your area - learn what to do before, during and after a flood. Go to our Green River Valley Flood page for information on:

• Preparing Your Loved Ones
  • Action Plan
  • Supplies
  • Food and Water
  • Utility Safety
• Protecting Your Home
  • Insurance Information
  • Steps to Minimize Risk
• Knowing Where to Go
  • Evacuation Tips
  • If You Must Stay in Place
• Personal Safety
  • Food Safety During Power Outages
  • Using a Generator During Power Outages
• Cleaning Up
  • Personal Safety (food, water, mold)
  • Recording Damage
  • Pumping Out a Basement
  • Cleaning Up and Drying Out Your Home
  • Disinfecting Surfaces
    

with critical information such as account numbers, insurance information, health records, estate papers and financial data must be protected.

Why it's important: After a major disaster such as a flood, you will need to document property loss and damage for insurance and income tax purposes. In addition, you may need to apply for financial assistance to recover from the disaster. Having quick access to these types of documents is necessary to complete application forms and will help reduce delay and frustration.

Make copies of important documents and contact information or store the information on a CD or memory stick. Then protect these backups by storing them in a waterproof container or in a safe deposit box.

Resources:

• Protect Important Documents (PDF)
• Data Protection for Small Businesses (PDF)
• Essential Records and Disaster Preparedness Manual

are essential to protect your life and the lives of those you love. The flu season this year has additional challenges due to the outbreak of H1N1 (Swine Flu). Learn how to prevent the spread of the flu.

For specific information about H1N1 (Swine Flu), the symptoms, vaccine information, and the latest updates please see our H1N1 (Swine Flu) web page.

• Prevent the Spread of Germs
  • Fact Sheets:
    • In English
    • In Spanish
    • In Russian
    • In Korean
    • In Chinese
    • In Cambodian
    • In Vietnamese
  • Safety Posters:
    • Germ Stopper
    • Germ Stopper for Kids 1
    • Germ Stopper for Kids 2
    • Posters in multiple languages
• Cover Your Cough
  • Fact Sheets:
    • In English
    • In Spanish
    • In Russian
    • In Korean
    • In Chinese
    • In Cambodian
    • In Vietnamese
  • Safety Posters:
    • Cover your Cough 1
    • Cover your Cough 2
    • Posters in multiple languages