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FLOOD HAZARD ZONES

Home >> Environment >> Preparing for Floods - Residents

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Preparing for Floods - Residents

Your home and property does not have to be located in a floodplain to be flooded by natural or manmade events. But this flood season, there is a high likelihood that there will be flooding in the Green River Valley below the Howard Hanson Dam.

Planning now to keep hazardous materials out of floodwater is an easy way to reduce damage to your home and the environment, and keep your family safer.

Clear out household hazardous products before flood season.

Most homes have chemicals or materials that can contaminate flood waters and be hazardous to your family and property. Reduce your risk by keeping only small amounts of those products you use.

IF THE LABEL SAYS CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER OR POISON – YOU HAVE A HAZARDOUS PRODUCT. These include cleaners, automotive products, oil-based paints, home improvement and gardening products, and items like computers or burned out fluorescent bulbs.

  1. Take advantage of services to clean out your hazardous products.
    Assistance is available to help you identify and reduce household hazardous materials. You’ve paid for these services through your utility bill – use them! For assistance, call the Household Hazards Line: 206-296-4692, or visit: www.govlink.org../hhw/. Call toll-free at: 1-888-TOXIC-ED (1-888-869-4233). TTY relay service is available at 711.
    • Use the easy, drive-up service at the household hazardous waste facilities and the Wastemobile. Visit a facility near you or use the new Wastemobile service at the Auburn SuperMall. For disposal and recycling information visit: www.govlink.org../hhw/disposal-locations.
    • The new Wastemobile service is at the Auburn SuperMall twice a month – on the 1st and 3rd full (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) weekends. Stop in from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Northwest corner of the mall off of SuperMall Way.
    • Safely dispose of unwanted medicines at a local Bartell Drugs or Group Health pharmacy; find a location near you at www.medicinereturn.com.
    • While you are cleaning out the garage and basement, recycle your old computer or TV. Find locations at: www.ecyclewashington.org.
  2. Avoid stockpiling hazardous materials.
    Try to eliminate or reduce your household chemicals by:
    • Purchasing the smallest amounts.
    • Using up what you have and not keeping extra products.
    • Using the safest products or alternatives
  3. Store hazardous materials properly.
    • Label all containers.
    • Keep products and wastes in the original sealed containers and in good condition.
    • Store materials inside if practical and safe, in waterproof containers, second story storage or mezzanines.
    • Secure materials and equipment so that they do not float away or break open, endangering structures or people.
  4. Other resources are available.

Emergency information for your city