Don't Be A Flood Victim: County To Host A Public Information Meeting In The Highlands, Wednesday

The rainy season is well underway, so now is the time to safeguard your home against rising waters.

Starting this week, residents and business owners in flood-prone areas can learn how to protect their homes and businesses at several public meetings hosted by King County.

King County staff will be in Renton, Auburn and Carnation to meet with residents
and share strategies to reduce flood risks.

Meetings are scheduled from 6-8:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Carnation at the SnoValley Senior Center, 4610 Stephens Ave.;

• ; and

• Thursday, Dec. 6 in Auburn at the William C. Warren Building, 405 E. St. N.E. (formerly Veterans Memorial Building, in Veterans Memorial Park).

King County staff will present proposed flood risk reduction strategies as part of the County’s Flood Hazard Management Plan update, which is scheduled to be completed next year.

The County’s flood plan update includes new flood risk assessments and projects, and a review of the plan’s goals, objectives and guiding principles.

The update will also consider issues that have emerged since 2006, when the current flood plan was developed, such as:

• Levee certification and accreditation;

• Levee vegetation management; and

• Consideration of social justice and outreach to vulnerable populations in high-risk flood zones.

The adoption of an updated flood plan will ensure that King County continues to receive a high rating for floodplain management by the National Flood Insurance Program. The distinction results in a 40 percent discount in flood insurance premiums for unincorporated King County residents.

A draft of the flood plan update will be completed in January. Patch will post more details about the formal public comment period and public meeting schedule when it is announced.

Learn more about the King County Flood Hazard Management Plan online at www.kingcounty.gov/floodservices. Click on the “Flooding Documents” link on the left-hand side of the page.