For immediate release
Dec. 16, 2025 

Snohomish County Issues Safety Guidance for Residents Returning Home after Floods

EVERETT – The Snohomish County Health Department urges the public to follow health and safety guidelines as residents begin to clean up damaged homes and properties from last week’s record floods. Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, mold and other hazards that pose physical safety and long-term health risks. 

“We urge residents to take precautions and protect their health as they repair their properties,” said Kim Van Pelt, director of the Snohomish County Health Department. “Safe cleanup today prevents serious health problems in the future.” 

First, look for structural damage, gas leaks and downed power lines before entering. Turn off gas and electricity or propane. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, notify the gas company, police or fire department.  

Other key precautions: 

• Avoid contact with floodwater and assume all standing water is contaminated. Exposure can lead to skin rashes, wound infections, gastrointestinal illnesses and other diseases. Floodwater can also hide debris such as lumber and sharp objects.
• Protect yourself with waterproof boots, heavy gloves and N95 masks. Mold begins forming within one to two days and can trigger asthma and allergies.
• Drinking water supplies could be contaminated. If you have a well or are on a water system that was impacted by flooding, make sure to use bottled, treated or boiled water to avoid illness, and have the well disinfected after flood waters recede.  If you are on public water supply, it’s a good idea to check with your local water district for current conditions. If water seems to be contaminated – it smells funny or is discolored – you should boil for a full minute before drinking or using. (If you suspect your water has been contaminated by fuel or chemicals, it will not be made safe by boiling or disinfection. Until you know the water is safe, use bottled water.)
• When in doubt, throw it out. Get rid of foods, medicine or cosmetics if they were in a flooded area and were not in a watertight container or packaging. If your refrigeration has gone out for more than four hours, get rid of perishable items.

Restaurants and other food businesses that were flooded should work with the Health Department on reopening. To contact us for reopening a food business, you can call 425-359-8730 or email food.safety@snoco.org. 

Cleaning tips 

• Open all doors and windows to air out your building.
• You can use soap and water to scrub items and surfaces made of wood, metal, glass or other hard substances. 
• Wash all clothes and linens in hot water.
• Throw out soiled mattresses and couches. They can't be cleaned properly.
• Wash dirt and mud from walls, counters and hard floors with soap and water. Disinfect by wiping surfaces with a solution of one cup of bleach per gallon of water.
• Discard all food that has come into contact with floodwater. Canned food is alright, but thoroughly wash the can before opening.

“Don’t forget yourself – wash your hands thoroughly and often while cleaning or handling items that have been in flood waters, and wear protective equipment when possible, like N95 masks, gloves and goggles to prevent injury and illness,” said Health Officer Dr. James Lewis. 

More information on what to do with your home after a flood: 

• Flood cleanup tips from the Washington State Department of Health
• Safety Guidelines: Reentering Your Flooded Home from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Septic systems 

Flooding can impact your septic system. Follow these tips to minimize damage:  

• Eliminate non-essential water use and flush toilets as little as possible.
• If the drain field becomes covered with water, do not use the system and avoid contact with any standing water as it may contain sewage. 
• Try to find other toilets if your septic system is damaged. If there are no functioning toilets available, temporary toilets are an option.
• Do not have the septic tank pumped under flooded or saturated conditions. This could cause the tank to float out of the ground. 

After the flood has receded and conditions return to normal:

• Continue limiting water use until you know your system is functioning properly.
• Have your system inspected. Flood waters carrying sediment and debris may have entered your system or caused damage.
• If necessary, have tanks pumped.

For more information, including on how to clean a well, see the Snohomish County Health Department’s guidance on cleaning up after a flood. The guidelines are also available in Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese on our weather webpage. One-page checklists on home cleanup are also available in English and Spanish. 

Contact: 
shd.pio@co.snohomish.wa.us