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Flooding Resource Information
National Weather Services: www.weather.gov
Up-to-date Emergency Information: Lewis County Alert: www.lewiscountyalert.gov
Emergency Contact Information:
Lewis County Emergency Management: https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/ Phone: (360) 740-1151
City of Chehalis (Public Works): www.ci.chehalis.wa.us Phone: Daytime (8am-4pm): (360) 748-0238 After Hours: (360) 740-1105
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): www.fema.gov Phone: (425) 487-4600
National Weather Service – Washington: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wa.php?x=2
American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/ Phone: (253) 474-0400
Washington Emergency Management: http://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division Phone: (800) 562-6108
Washington State Department of Transportation: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov Road Info Phone: (800) 695-ROAD (7623)
State Highway/I-5 Closures: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Washington State Patrol Phone: (360) 696-6161
DURING A FLOOD:
Play it safe during a flood. This page identifies the most important things you can do when a storm threatens.
Keep a battery operated radio tuned to a local station during weather conditions that may lead to a flood warning. These local stations are:
KELA at 1470 am; KMNT at 104.3fm
KITI at 1420 am; Live 95 at 95.1fm
Weather Radio – It is recommended that all businesses and people who live in flood prone areas obtain a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alerts.
Flood Safety Tips:
Do not walk through flowing water: Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there.
Do not drive through a flooded area: More people drown in their cars that anywhere else. Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. The leading cause of death in Chehalis-area floods has been use of vehicles in a flooded roadway.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires: The number two flood killer, after drowning, is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Lewis County PUD or the County Emergency Management Office.
Shut off gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs: Be prepared in advance with a detailed checklist because warning of an impending flood may provide little time for preparation prior to evacuation.
Look out for animals and snakes: Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a broom or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.
Be alert for gas leaks: Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke, use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know that the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.