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Rain and Flooding
Rain is extremely common in Bothell. Take a few simple steps to get your household prepared for higher-than-average rainfall and flooding.
The best thing you can do to keep your family safe before, during, and after heavy rain and flooding is to be prepared. Here are a few tips:
Safety Tips
- Have a disaster kit ready with two weeks' worth of food, water, and supplies for everyone in your home.
- Ensure you have a safe source of heat. Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, or propane heaters for indoor heating, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Store or secure lawn furniture and decorations.
- Know how and where to shut off your utilities.
- Keep tree branches away from the home and maintain trees on your property.
- When possible, park away from falling hazards.
- Avoid being outside or near windows, and minimize driving as much as possible.
- Keep extra flashlights and batteries in the event of a power outage.
- Clear your gutters and any storm drains to ensure proper drainage and avoid flooding.
- Stay informed. Follow updates from National Weather Service and other local outlets.
Stay Safe
Make sure you are aware of situations that can cause danger during a storm:
- Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.
- Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, or propane heaters for indoor heating, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Operate generators outside, a safe distance away from your home. Never run generators in your garage, even with the door open.
- Continue to keep storm drains and gutters clear when safe.
- Never remove a storm drain lid or attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.
- Do not wade into the water when you are unsure of the depth or water contents.
Try to stay indoors and avoid driving as much as you can. NEVER drive anywhere you cannot see the street through water levels.
Contact Public Works to report minor flooding at 425-488-0118; Option 1. Crews will respond when it is safe to do so. Never walk, ride, or roll past road closure signs or barricades. Dial 9-1-1 to report major flooding.
Recovering from Rain and Flooding
Sometimes it’s difficult to see all the damage a storm has done. Be sure to check your property thoroughly to prevent further harm:
- Check your plants for exposed roots and cover them to keep them alive and keep them protected against future storms.
- Look for water and signs of moisture in your home — especially in basements, crawlspaces, and attics. Early detection can help prevent pesky and dangerous mold and mildew.
- Check gutters, downspouts, and storm drains again. Make sure they’re clear and undamaged for proper functionality in the future.
- Eliminate puddles of standing water to avoid slippery ice patches as weather gets colder, and mosquito breeding grounds as weather gets warmer.