Flood Preparedness

Be Flood Ready

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Floodplains

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Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan

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Flood Ready 

Be Flood Ready

If you live or work near a stream, river, or lake, take the steps to prepare for potential flooding: 

Determine if your property is in a flood-prone area

Federally produced Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) define areas in Redmond that are at risk of flooding. To find the FIRMs that cover Redmond, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Service Information Center. 

A number of other resources can help you determine if your property is in the floodplain, you can:

•    Visit or call the Development Services Center on the second floor of Redmond City Hall, 425-556-2494.  

•    Use the City of Redmond Property Viewer website—look under “Critical Areas” and click on “Frequently Flooded Areas”

•    Use the King County IMap website—look under “Flooding Info” in the layers list and turn on the ”FEMA 100-year floodplain” layer


Purchase flood insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program website provides helpful information on federal flood insurance.


Plan for flooding

Have an evacuation plan 

  • Choose a meeting place for your family members if separated
  • Identify several routes from your home or business to high ground
  • Pick an out-of-state friend or relative to call with information if local lines are busy
  • Assemble an emergency kit that can be easily accessed in case of flooding
  • alk to your neighbors about past flooding, and special needs they may have

Make sure your property is flood ready

  • Install check valves in building sewer traps to keep floodwaters from backing up sewer drains
  • Anchor and secure propane tanks or other fuel containers
  • Move and store vehicles, equipment, valuables, and household chemicals above potential flood levels


During Flooding

  • Do not walk, wade, or drive through flooded areas. Turn around. Don’t drown.
  • If your vehicle stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Walk back the way you came to safety.
  • Call the King County Flood Warning Center at 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263 for information on ¬flood conditions and forecasts.
  • Be prepared for an evacuation notice from authorities. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow recommended evacuation routes, as shortcuts may be blocked.
  • Call 911 if you cannot safely leave your home or business


After flooding

  • Examine the home or business for structural damage before entering.
  • Have a professional inspection before using  your heating system, outlets, and appliances 
  • Photograph and record damage and repair costs and contact your insurance agent.
  • Mark the highwater mark on your property.
  • Pump out flood areas gradually (about a third per day) to avoid structural damage.
  • Check local news sites for information on disaster assistance.


For more information on flood safety preparedness visit the King County Be Flood Ready website and FEMA’s Floodsmart website.

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Floodplains

Redmond’s floodplains provide vital services to people and wildlife. Temporary flooding in undeveloped connected floodplains designed to flood during big storm events helps ensure areas downstream remain dry. Vegetated buffers in the floodplain shade and cool the stream, help keep the water clean, and supply food and habitat for wildlife. 

Help keep our floodplain and streams clean:  

  • Do not dump soapy water,  paint, cement wash water, oil, or anything! down a storm drain catchbasin. These drain directly to our streams!  
  • If you see a spill or illegal dumping contact the City’s Spills and Pollution Hotline at 425-556-2868.
  • Prevent flooding and pollution by keeping a storm drain clean of leaves and debris. Join the City’s Adopt-A-Drain Program.

Construction projects and temporary storage of items in the floodplain may require a flood permit. 

Contact the City of Redmond Planning Department, 425-556-2494, to determine if permits are required. 

To report a flooding issue or illegal construction in the floodplain within Redmond Call: 425-556-2900

In cases of a life-threatening emergency call 911

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Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan(CFHMP)

A CFHMP is a planning document that: 


  • Gathers information about existing streams, rivers, land uses, and regulations related to flood hazard reduction
  • Identifies goals for flood hazard reduction consistent with the needs of residents, businesses, and neighboring jurisdictions
  • Identifies flood hazards
  • Evaluates alternative solutions
  • Makes recommendations for future projects or program modifications to address these hazards 
  • The CFHMP is produced in accordance with guidance from the Department of Ecology to make it eligible for FCAAP funding.

A comprehensive approach to flood hazard management planning ensures that flooding problems are not simply transferred to another location within the basin, but are addressed in a comprehensive, basin-wide manner. 

By developing and adopting this plan, the City of Redmond will most efficiently and effectively use Stormwater Utility fees to construct projects to help prevent impacts from floods. The plan also makes the City eligible for other grants for construction of these projects. By funding projects through grants, the City can use utility fees for other projects.

The Department of Ecology provides financial assistance for flood control through the Washington State's Flood Control Assistance Account Program. Visit the Department of Ecology FCAAP site for more information. 


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Related Documents

  1. 2022 Annual Emergency Plan Implementation Report
  2. RMC 15.04 SEPA Declaration and Draft Code Changes
  3. Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan (PDF)
  4. Comprehensive Flood Plan Resolution of Adoption (PDF)
  5. WA Dept of Ecology Flood Plan approval (PDF)