When the Puyallup River overflowed in November and December, it caused a fair amount of chaos in the area. Governor Jay Inslee was forced to declare a state of emergency in the region, as heavy rains and winds led to flooding, mud slides, road closures, and power outages.
Residents might also remember that an even stronger storm struck Puyallup and neighboring Orting in 2006, leading to the largest urban evacuation in the history of Washington state, as 30,000 people were displaced. Extreme weather is nothing new to Piece County, so residents should be prepared to deal with such issues again in the future.
While in some cases there is simply nothing that you can do about natural disasters, as they will strike your home no matter what precautions you take, in other situations you can limit the damage by being prepared.
Stay in Touch With Local Authorities
Once flooding occurs in a city, it can often wreak havoc on the drain and sewer systems. These systems become over-saturated with water from the flood and it can hinder your ability to flush your toilet or wash the dishes. Whenever there is a flood in your area, keep an eye on any advisories that are on TV or the radio, as they will inform you if it is OK to continue using your plumbing like you usually would, or if you should ease up a little bit.
Even though with the plumbing in Puyallup, your sewer line isn’t directly connected to the storm drains, over-saturation throughout the system can still cause problems.
Consider the Quality of Your Drinking Water
Another thing to consider during a severe storm is the quality of the water. Often times, if too much water is running through the city’s filtration system, it can lead to sediment sneaking through. You will probably notice a different color to the water during extreme weather and, just to be safe, you might want to avoid drinking it.
Of course, you could always install a Puyallup water filtration system in your home and then you won’t have to worry about water quality. This system will remove any sediment that gets through the city’s system, ensuring that you have clean drinking water, no matter what is happening outside.
Think About Adding a Sump Pump
Many homes in Puyallup already have a sump pump installed because of the amount of rain that the region receives. While a sump pump probably won’t do much good if the river overflows onto your property, it can help remove rain water, even when it falls in large quantities.
A sump pump simply involves digging a drainage pool to collect water that is heading toward your house. Once a certain amount of water has been collected, the pump activates and moves it to a safer area.
Having a plumber in Puyallup complete a drain cleaning is another good idea, as it ensures that your system is in good shape. You might also consider keeping your home on a service schedule throughout the year.
Have a Plan in Place
Finally, if you do find yourself in a situation where the water is rising, have a plan that you and your family can follow. If you will be evacuated from your home, make sure that you plug the floor drains in your basement. This can prevent sewage from backing up and entering your home and ensures that external water pressure won’t damage your floor or walls. It is also recommended that you turn off the gas, electricity, and water before leaving. If your home, for whatever reasons, doesn’t have a water shutoff valve, contact a Puyallup plumber to have one installed.
If you will be staying in your home, but will be without power for an undetermined period, it is a good idea to stockpile some water and non-perishable food. This ensures that you can ride the flood out at home and won’t have to leave in an attempt to pick up supplies until the worst of the storm has passed. You should also have the contact information of a Puyallup emergency plumber to inspect your drains and pipes after the water has subsided.
