Is Seattle Prepared for Flooding?

Seattle is one of the rainiest cities in the country. With that, there is a risk of flooding. There have been floods in the past, notably three in the 1990s. With Western Washington being an area that is highly prone to flooding, it’s essential to understand how Seattle is protecting itself and how you can protect your own home.

Seattle’s Preparation

The city knows that future floods are inevitable. The only concern is how severe these events will be when they strike. We also know that urban flooding may be more likely to happen due to trends in rainfall over the past few decades. The data shows that low-duration high-intensity rainfall events have increased, which means an increase in urban flooding.

The city’s primary defense against flooding is drainage. The city’s storm drains clear water from building up in the streets and causing problems for citizens. When these fail or backup too much, it can have serious consequences. The hope is that the city remains on top of it and prevents that from happening.

Beyond that, the city has a close relationship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The group has assisted the city and Western Washington in general numerous times over the years to help with emergency flood plans.

Prepare Yourself

The best thing you can do to help your own home and your neighbors’ homes is to allow for rainfall to drain away. The best way to do that is to clear away anything that can potentially clog up the city’s drains. Keep leaves and debris out of drains as much as you can. This is easier if you rake leaves and clear debris before the rain hits.

Your home has its own drainage system in your gutters and downspouts. Keep that free of debris as well to prevent water damage to your home’s roof. Make sure your roof is in good shape and is free of leaks as it plays a huge part in draining water from your home.

If your home sustains water damage from a flood or other weather event, AWR Restoration & Cleaning can help. Give us a call at (206) 823-2252 or fill out an online contact form, and we’ll take care of it for you.