Should I evacuate?

Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Evacuation is always the best idea if your home could get flooded. When you evacuate, keep these safety precautions in mind:

• Set up arrangements for com­municating with family and friends when you evacuate.
• Turn off the electricity and gas to your house before you leave.
• “Turn Around Don’t Drown.” Don’t walk or drive where you can’t see the ground. Don’t walk or drive through a flooded street. More people die in their cars than anywhere else during a flood.
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Lewis County Public Utility District (PUD) at 800/562-5612 or 911.

Turn around don't drown song on YouTube (English) (Spanish)

What should I take with me?

If you’ve prepared an emergency plan, check your list for items you’ve already identified. The Red Cross has a short and handy guide on preparing for a flood. There’s good safety information here, too.

Where should I go?

Do you have friends or relatives who have room to house your family? If so, make arrangements in advance so you know a place will be available when you need it. Make sure they aren’t in the floodplain.

Public shelters may be set up if a large number of people are displaced. Their locations will be publicized through the media and on the Lewis County website.

How else can I prepare?

Lewis County Emergency Management has lots of information on preparing your family for emergencies. Check out the website.