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Know the flood phases
Narrator Says: There are eight rivers in King County that are monitored because of their flood-prone nature. The Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Tolt, Raging, Cedar, Green, and White rivers, as well as Issaquah Creek. When the rivers rise to a potentially dangerous level, King County’s Flood Warning Center is activated and staffed 24/7 to monitor river gauges, weather data, and road closures. It’s important for residents who live in flood prone areas to know what the county Flood Phase Alerts mean. Phase One means the county is on alert and, if need be, prepared to open the flood warning center. Phase Two means the Flood Warning Center is open and staff are monitoring river flows and conditions, as well as updating the recorded information hotline at (206) 296-8200 or (800) 945-9263. Minor lowland and road flooding is possible at Phase Two. A Phase Three is issued when moderate flooding is expected and that flood level usually means residents can expect more roads to be impacted by high flows. At Phase Four we can expect to see major flooding, with numerous road closures. Homeowners need to be prepared to activate their personal emergency plans. When the Flood Warning Center is open, residents can directly contact King County staff with their flooding concerns and questions by calling (206) 296-4535 or (800) 768-7932, river gauge information is also available from the department's web site. For road closure information or to report a flooded road call the King County Road Services Division at (206) 296-8100 or (800) 527-6237. You can also receive road closure alerts via e-mail, just go to the Road Service Division's web page and click on the Road Alerts icon to subscribe. During stormy weather, King County road crews will respond 24/7 to reports of storm damage and to close flooded roads. Remember driving around barricades or road closure signs into standing water is the number one cause of death during floods. When floods strike, crews will also be on the lookout for blocked storm drains that can lead to dangerous urban flooding. Homeowners can help reduce that threat by keeping drains near their property clear of leaves and other debris. And now about those personal emergency plans, make sure you know emergency phone numbers, have some food and supplies at the ready, know the safest evacuation routes, and establish a meeting place in case family members are separated by rising water. For the latest news during an emergency the Regional Public Information Network, or RPIN, at www.rpin.org which includes news from dozens of different agencies in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. |
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King County Department of
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