• flooding

With almost 300 miles of fresh and salt water shoreline miles, Kitsap County is susceptible to flooding. In fact, flooding is the most common hazard in Kitsap County. Prolonged rain causing high stream flows can, exceed the banks of our creeks and streams. In the winter months, higher than normal tides can flood coastal properties. Based on a recent assessment of Kitsap County, floods are rated a moderate risk.

BEFORE it floods

KNOW YOUR HAZARD

Check the FEMA designated flood risk zone map in Kitsap County to determine your properties flood risk.


BUY FLOOD INSURANCE

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover loss caused by flooding. There may be a 30-day waiting period on new polices.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY

  • Update emergency plans for your family, farm or business and choose a meeting place in case family members get separated.
  • Have sandbags on hand to help protect your home – Kitsap County does not distribute sand bags.
  • Gather emergency supplies – prepare to both remain on your property with at least two weeks of supplies and food and also prepare a Go-Bag if you need to evacuate.
  • Talk to your neighbors so that you can be ready to support each other.

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

  • Move vehicles, equipment, and livestock/pets to higher ground. Store valuables, kayaks, and household chemicals above flood levels.
  • Anchor and secure propane tanks and other fuel containers.
  • Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up in sewer drains.
  • Clear storm drains. Never dump waste in storm drains.

SIGN UP FOR ALERTS
Sign up to receive inclement weather information and preparedness tips by email or text through the Kitsap County Electronic Notification System and subscribe to KitsapALERT for our Community Warning System.


RESOURCES

DURING Flooding

WHEN FLOODING IS IMMINENT (if time permits):

  • Close your main gas valve.
  • Turn off all utilities in your building at the main power switch. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area or you are standing on a piece of dry wood while wearing rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves.
  • Record flood statistics such as time, gage reading, and local flood elevations for future use in understanding flooding in your neighborhood. Include specific observations at your home or business.

ON THE ROAD

  • 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.

GETTING TO SAFETY

  • • Be prepared for an evacuation notice from authorities. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow recommended evacuation routes, as shortcuts may be blocked. Sign up for KitsapALERT notifications at kcowa.us/alert

  • If you are unable to safely leave your home or a building due to rapidly rising waters, call 911 for help. Then move to a higher floor or to the roof. Take warm, weatherproof clothing, a flashlight, a mobile phone, and a portable radio.

RESOURCES

AFTER Flooding

SECURING YOUR HOME

  • Close your main gas valve.
  • Turn off all utilities in your building at the main power switch. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area or you are standing on a piece of dry wood while wearing rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves.
  • Record flood statistics such as time, gage reading, and local flood elevations for future use in understanding flooding in your neighborhood. Include specific observations at your home or business.

CLEANING UP

  • Be safe cleaning up household items, food, water supply, and property. Follow these tips.
  • Document your losses. Photograph damage and record repair costs. Contact your insurance agent for flood loss claims.
  • Mark the high water point in your home or damaged structure.
  • Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.
  • Do not dump sand from sandbags into creeks as it impairs water quality. Store for future use.
  • Check the KCDEM website for updates on disaster assistance and registration procedures.

RESOURCES

King Tides in Kitsap 2024/25

The high tides listed on the dates below combined with impactful weather conditions may result in POSSIBLE coastal flooding in Kitsap County this winter.

  • November 17 – 19
  • December 12 -13, 15 – 19 & 31
  • January 1 – 8, 12 – 16 & 31
  • February 1 – 3

What is a King Tide

In the simplest terms, king tide is colloquially used to describe an extremely high tide. Ordinary tides are caused by the gravitational pull between the Earth and the moon; king tides happen when astronomical events amplify that pull.

These astronomical events come in a couple different flavors. One type of king tide starts with a spring tide, which takes place when the Earth, moon and sun are aligned. While the moon generally has a bigger influence on Earth’s tides, the sun also has gravitational effects. When the moon and sun are aligned, their gravitational effects compound, and the high tides become a little higher. Spring tides occur twice each lunar cycle (when the moon is either new or full).
Learn more about King Tides at the Washington King Tide Program webpage.

Subscribe for more information

Sign up to receive inclement weather information and preparedness tips by email or text through the Kitsap County Electronic Notification System and subscribe to KitsapALERT for our Community Warning System.

Credit to King County Flood Control District for much of the content on this list.

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