Emergency Preparedness

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print
Flood Alerts Banner
Archived Flood Updates

Updated January 14, 2025

Flood Recovery Help for Kent Residents and Businesses

As the floodwaters continue to recede, we are now moving from emergency response into recovery. Our priority is your safety and making sure you have access to help.  

Stay Informed

Sign up to receive emails from the Kent Flood Recovery team . Get information about resources available to residents and businesses.

WA State Cash Assistance for Households with Major Flooding

On January 2, applications opened for an additional $2.5 million in Washington state disaster assistance through the State’s Individual Assistance Program. Applicants to the State’s Individual Assistance Program may be eligible for grant awards. Applying does not automatically mean an individual or household will receive funding. Applicants can expect to receive up to $1,125.

Kent residents whose homes were damaged in December’s flooding event should apply for the funding to help with their immediate needs. This application is DIFFERENT than the King County Damage Report.  

To be eligible for this Washington State Individual Assistance cash funding, applicants must:

  • Earn 80 percent or less of the area median gross income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Show that their primary residence was destroyed or seriously damaged (water has reached the electrical outlets on the home’s first floor) by flooding events between December 5 and December 22, 2025

How to Apply:

  • Online: Salvation Army website at sahelp.org
  • By phone: 833-719-4981

Those who submit the form will be asked to provide supporting documents to complete their application. Click here to see a list of acceptable documentation.

After an application is submitted, a Salvation Army Disaster Case Manager will contact the resident to review their situation and identify available recovery assistance. This support may include State Individual assistance, but it may also include local, federal, nonprofit, and donated resources as well. For more information click here. 

 

Continue to Report Flood Damage to King County if You Haven't Already.

Reporting damage helps King County decide if federal disaster help (like FEMA) is available.

If flooding has affected your home or business:

  1. Report flood damage
  2. Take photos and videos of damage to document losses
  3. Stay safe during cleanup
  4. Use trusted contractors
  5. Check for financial and recovery help
  6. Write down what was damaged
  7. Save receipts for repairs and cleanup
  8. Start your insurance claim as soon as you can

    Manufactured/Mobile Home Relocation Assistance

    Manufactured/mobile home communities in Washington that are closing due to flooding may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Commerce for relocation or demolition services.

    "Closure" includes communities permanently closed due to "health and safety concerns" (for example, flooding, landslides, etc.). Households must meet income guidelines (below 80% AMI) and must be owner-occupants of either a manufactured or mobile home at the time of the closure notice.

    For households displaced due to flooding, Commerce must receive documentation from a regulatory entity that demonstrates the health and safety reasons for the permanent closure of the manufactured/mobile home community or mobile home lot.

    For assistance: call 800-964-0852 or email omh@commerce.wa.gov

    Free Flood Debris Disposal (Through February 8, 2026)

    Flood debris can be dropped off for free on Saturdays and Sundays only through February 8, 2026. This is for people who haul debris themselves. More details are available from King County.

    Locations:

    Note: Outside of these dates, facilities remain open during their normal hours, and disposal fees apply.

    Stay Safe After Flooding

    Floodwater can be dangerous. It may contain germs or chemicals. Mold can grow within 1–2 days. Be careful when returning to your home or business.

    King County Public Health offers guidance on:

    • Safe cleanup steps
    • Mold cleanup and protective gear
    • What items are safe to keep or throw away
    • Lead and asbestos safety
    • Emotional and mental health support
    • Information in multiple languages

    Learn more:

    Tax and Property Relief

    Some people and businesses may qualify for help with taxes or property values.

    This may include:

    • Extra time to file taxes
    • Waived penalties
    • Possible property value reductions

    Washington Department of Revenue – Disaster Relief:
    https://dor.wa.gov/about/news-releases/2025/disaster-relief-resources-available-flood-impacted-businesses-and-individuals

    Watch Out for Contractor Scams

    After floods, some people pretend to be contractors and take money without doing the work. Before hiring anyone:

    • Check that the contractor is registered, bonded, and insured

    Verify a contractor:
    https://www.protectmyhome.net

    Report fraud:
    https://www.lni.wa.gov/ReportAContractor

    Help for Businesses, Workers, and Finances

    You may find help through these programs:

    Employment Security supports employers and workers impacted by the December historic flooding.

    Help for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Residents

    The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers flood recovery information and case management.

    City Updates and Emergency Information

    For current updates and safety information:


    Ready-Set-Go 

    With the flooding situation evolving, we want residents to be prepared in case flooding occurs in your neighborhood.  It’s important to be prepared now is a good time to check out our Ready-Set-Go guidance on and we encourage you to sign up for King County alerts.

    The Ready-Set-Go set into three stages.

    Graphic that reads: Ready. Prepare now.Graphic that reads: Set. Be alert.Graphic that reads: Go. Evacuate!

     (Level 1) BE READY—Prepare Now

    Take these steps as soon as possible:

    • Stay informed
    • Protect your property
    • Talk with your household and neighbor
    • Pack and prepare to leave quickly
      • Medications
      • Pets
      • Documents
      • Essentials
      • Phones/Phone chargers
    • Monitor city social media, websites and local media for up-to-date information
    • Additional routes may flood or close with little notice. Check current alerts before travelling.

     

    (Level 2) GET SET-Be ready to act

    Be on heightened alert if:

    • The river continues to rise toward your property
    • The City of Kent, King County or emergency officials issue additional warnings.
    • You see water ponding in your yard or driveway, or around access routes
    • You should begin planning a safe location where you and your loved ones can evacuate to

    During this phase:

    • Keep vehicles fueled and parked facing out for a quick departure
    • Keep your to-go kit and any essential items by the door
    • Avoid walking or driving through standing water and do not go around “Road Closed” or “High Water” signs
    • Be prepared to leave quickly if conditions worsen or if you are asked to evacuate.

     

    (Level 3) GO- Leave if Conditions Become Unsafe

    Leave the area immediately if:

    • Water is approaching your home, garage or access road
    • Emergency officials direct you to evacuate
    • Take only essential items:
      • Medications, important documents, pets, and essentials
      • Phone and charger
    • Move vehicles to higher ground only if it is safe to do so
    • You feel unsafe remaining in place for any reason

     

    When in doubt, error on the side of safety. Remember:

    • Turn around, don’t drown
    • Just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road, and the depth and speed of floodwater can be deceptive
    • Use higher, alternate routes if possible, and never drive around barricades or through flooded sections
    • Conditions can change rapidly and could worsen with little warning.

    If you need emergency evacuation assistance, call 911

    Continue to monitor official City of Kent updates.

    Flood Alerts & Information

    Flood Alerts includes Flood Advisory, Flood Watch, and Flood Warning

     

    Flood Advisory
    Flood Watch
    Flood Warning
    Centennial Fire 02

    Mentally Prepare

     

    Emergencies can be a stressful and shocking time for even the most calm or experienced people. That is why it is so important that you plan ahead. By the time that disaster does strike, you should already know what to do and be ready to react quickly.

    Emergency Plans
    Snow in Kent 03-Facebook

    Physically Prepare

    The creation of an emergency supply kit is crucial to maintaining safety, health, and comfort during an emergency situation. In case of a disaster, you may need to shelter in place or evacuate quickly. If this happens, you will not have the time to find all your vitally important possessions or remember everything that you may need for an extended period. That is why you must create a kit ahead of time: so that when you really need, it you are ready to leave as soon as possible without forgetting important items.

    Emergency Supply Kit
    Secondary Supplies
    Vehicle Supply Kit
    Prepare Your Home

    Winterize Your Vehicle

    Driving is dangerous. Despite being a mundane part of life driving can become a disaster at any moment. During the winter months this danger increases as temperature drops. Rain, snow, ice, and wind can turn a standard car trip into one with many unseen hazards. In order to protect yourself, and the vehicles around you, you should prepare yourself and your vehicle for the challenges of the season and high-risk weather events. 

    See more winter weather tips at: Winter Weather Plan | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

    Battery, Coolant, and Brakes
    Winter Tires
    Maintain Tire Pressure
    Tools
    Fuel Up
    Snow Driving
    Chains & Autosocks