The City of Renton's Emergency Management, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Executive, and Police Departments have been working together with other agencies to keep you informed and safe. They continue to check and secure areas near the Cedar River, as well as city buildings, trails, bridges, and roads. For up-to-date emergency information, visit our Emergency Information page.
Flood clean-up and recovery efforts are ahead, and this page will be used to share resources. Below are some essential tips and links; at the bottom of this page, you'll find an option to ask us questions and/or respond to our survey. In-person post-event outreach will be conducted by our Emergency Management team to gather your feedback on this historic flood event.
How can I help?
We know many of you want to pitch in and support your neighbors. Here’s a simple list to get started:
Sign Up for Alerts and Check on Your Neighbors
- Make sure they’re okay and help them sign up for ALERT Renton, the city's emergency notification system. ALERT Renton is part of a countywide notifications system, ALERT King County.
- Sign up for flood alerts through King County. This is a separate system from ALERT Renton, designed to help keep you informed about flood conditions.
- Learn about the Ready-Set-Go Alert Levels and how to prepare on our ALERT Renton page, here.
Donate or Volunteer
- The NW Regional Red Cross is helping people in nearby cities who were displaced or affected and welcome donations to support their efforts. Donate on their website.
- If you are considering making a financial donation, one safe place to donate is through give.wa.gov, which has a page specifically designated for the 2025 WA State Floods
- Visit Serve Washington, the state’s official volunteer coordination program, which helps connect people with legitimate volunteer opportunities aligned with current needs.
- The City of Renton always needs volunteers for regular programs. Sign up online.
Disaster Assistance Centers
If you were unable to make it to a Disaster Assistance Center in person, online applications can be submitted through sahelp.org. Check kcemergency.com for the latest information.
Sheltering
If you have been asked to leave areas that are in danger of flooding or have flooded, there are shelters available in the following locations are the current Red Cross shelter/Red Cross-supported shelters:
- Auburn Community and Event Center (Auburn) - 92 residents, 6 pets
- Bethany Covenant Church (Mount Vernon) – Closed (Moved to First Evangelical Lutheran Church)
- Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Sedro Woolley) – 0 residents, 0 pets
- Central Church (Richland) - 2 residents, 1 pet
- Evergreen State Fairgrounds (Monroe)– 71 residents, 15 pets
- Also houses lots of livestock
- First Evangelical Lutheran Church (Mount Vernon) – 20 residents, 0 pets
- Meridian Habitat Park (Puyallup) – 6 residents, 0 pets
- Hamilton First Baptist (Hamilton) – Closed, residents returned home
- Mount Baker Presbyterian Church (Concrete) – 0 residents, 0 pets
- Sulwhanon (Mi’sq’eq’o) Community Building – Nooksack Indian Tribe – 0 residents, 0 pets
- Packwood Community Hall (Randle) – 16 residents, 10 pets
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mount Vernon) – Closed – moved to First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Points of Contact
Please reach out at any time for additional information.
If you need assistance finding shelter, call 211 or visit . Assistance may also be available from the , 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)
Human services / food resources
- Call 211 or visit for available information and a range of resources from utility assistance, food, housing, and more. 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual helpline providing a one-stop connection to local community services.
- The City of Renton's Human Services Division funds multiple agencies that can help with daily necessities:
Crisis Cleanup: Washington floods home cleanup hotline
If you need assistance with damage from the Washington Floods, call (844) 965-1386. Crisis Cleanup will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities who may be able to assist with:
- Cut fallen trees
- Drywall, flooring, and appliance removal
- Tarping roofs
- Mold mitigation
All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through January 2, 2026.
Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, or insurance. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.
Flood recovery information for home and property owners
Property damage caused by flooding can feel overwhelming and stressful. The information below will help you report damage to your home or property and understand the resources that may become available to help you.
Health and safety tips when entering flooded property
- Turn off utilities before re-entering.
- Do NOT touch electrical equipment while touching water - call your utility to disconnect.
- Avoid touching flood water and wash hands (and pets).
- Wear an N95 mask, gloves, goggles, and protective gear when cleaning.
- Open windows and doors and pump out water after flood waters recede. Mold can grow within 24-48 hours after a flood.
- Throw away any garden produce and food that has touched flood water.
- Food in sealed containers can be used if washed before opening.
- If you have a flooded septic system, don't use your septic system during a flood. Disinfect your septic system after the flood. After flooding subsides, contact an on-site sewage system maintainer to check that the flooding did not damage your septic system. The Washington Department of Health has more information about flooding and septic systems
- If you have a flooded private water system or well, use only bottled, boiled (rolling boil for 1 minute), or treated water. Review the information about flooding on our drinking water emergencies page.
Report damages
If you were affected by recent weather events please submit an impact survey for damages or other impacts to private property or businesses to one, or both, of the below King County surveys.
How to document and file a home damage claim
Insurance is always the first recourse in recovering financially from a disaster. Accurate documentation is essential for insurance. If our community is determined to be eligible for potential FEMA assistance, documentation will be essential as well. Follow these steps:
- Gather Your Information: Have your home insurance policy number, insurance company contact information, and personal details ready.
- Document the Disaster: Record the date, time, cause of damage, and a detailed description of what happened.
- List Damaged or Missing Property: List everything that is damaged or missing. Take clear photos and videos of all damage, both inside and outside of your home.
- Save All Receipts: Keep receipts for repairs, replacements, and any disaster-related costs. These may be reimbursed.
- Act Quickly: Photograph and record damage before cleaning up, repairing, or discarding items.
- Record Serial Numbers: Document serial numbers for electronics and appliances when possible.
- Prepare for FEMA Inspections: If your area is approved for FEMA assistance, you will need to apply online or by phone. During your assessment, clearly describe all damage and impacts. Information on how to apply for FEMA assistance will be provided if Washington State receives a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Homeowners insurance and mold
- Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover mold, fungi, rust, or rot. WA State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has provided a list of insurance tips as flood recovery begins.
- Mold is usually treated as a maintenance issue rather than sudden disaster damage.
- Check your policy or speak with your agent to confirm your coverage.
Damage Assessment Guide
When you are assessing your damage and filling out the King County survey, here are the definitions for each level of damage:
Affected
- Waterline in the crawl space or unfinished basement
- Damage to attached structures, gutters, landscaping, or downed trees that do not block access
- No damage to essential living spaces or mechanical systems
Minor Damage
- Waterline below electrical outlets on the lowest floor with essential living space
- Damage or contamination to a private well or septic system
Major Damage
- Waterline at or above electrical outlets in essential living spaces
- Waterline on the first floor, even if the basement is fully submerged
Destroyed
- Collapse of major structural components (foundation, walls, roof)
- Waterline at or above the ceiling of a living space
- Only the foundation remains
- Home is at immediate risk (landslide, mudslide, sinkhole)
Important Note
Damage may be considered major even if water stays below electrical outlets when:
- Flooding lasted a long time
- Water contained sewage, fuel, or chemicals
- Mechanical systems in the basement were damaged
Debris cleanup
Three King County Solid Waste locations are accepting flood debris for free Saturdays and Sundays only through January 11, 2026:
The City of Renton's Emergency Management, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Executive, and Police Departments have been working together with other agencies to keep you informed and safe. They continue to check and secure areas near the Cedar River, as well as city buildings, trails, bridges, and roads. For up-to-date emergency information, visit our Emergency Information page.
Flood clean-up and recovery efforts are ahead, and this page will be used to share resources. Below are some essential tips and links; at the bottom of this page, you'll find an option to ask us questions and/or respond to our survey. In-person post-event outreach will be conducted by our Emergency Management team to gather your feedback on this historic flood event.
How can I help?
We know many of you want to pitch in and support your neighbors. Here’s a simple list to get started:
Sign Up for Alerts and Check on Your Neighbors
- Make sure they’re okay and help them sign up for ALERT Renton, the city's emergency notification system. ALERT Renton is part of a countywide notifications system, ALERT King County.
- Sign up for flood alerts through King County. This is a separate system from ALERT Renton, designed to help keep you informed about flood conditions.
- Learn about the Ready-Set-Go Alert Levels and how to prepare on our ALERT Renton page, here.
Donate or Volunteer
- The NW Regional Red Cross is helping people in nearby cities who were displaced or affected and welcome donations to support their efforts. Donate on their website.
- If you are considering making a financial donation, one safe place to donate is through give.wa.gov, which has a page specifically designated for the 2025 WA State Floods
- Visit Serve Washington, the state’s official volunteer coordination program, which helps connect people with legitimate volunteer opportunities aligned with current needs.
- The City of Renton always needs volunteers for regular programs. Sign up online.
Disaster Assistance Centers
If you were unable to make it to a Disaster Assistance Center in person, online applications can be submitted through sahelp.org. Check kcemergency.com for the latest information.
Sheltering
If you have been asked to leave areas that are in danger of flooding or have flooded, there are shelters available in the following locations are the current Red Cross shelter/Red Cross-supported shelters:
- Auburn Community and Event Center (Auburn) - 92 residents, 6 pets
- Bethany Covenant Church (Mount Vernon) – Closed (Moved to First Evangelical Lutheran Church)
- Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Sedro Woolley) – 0 residents, 0 pets
- Central Church (Richland) - 2 residents, 1 pet
- Evergreen State Fairgrounds (Monroe)– 71 residents, 15 pets
- Also houses lots of livestock
- First Evangelical Lutheran Church (Mount Vernon) – 20 residents, 0 pets
- Meridian Habitat Park (Puyallup) – 6 residents, 0 pets
- Hamilton First Baptist (Hamilton) – Closed, residents returned home
- Mount Baker Presbyterian Church (Concrete) – 0 residents, 0 pets
- Sulwhanon (Mi’sq’eq’o) Community Building – Nooksack Indian Tribe – 0 residents, 0 pets
- Packwood Community Hall (Randle) – 16 residents, 10 pets
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mount Vernon) – Closed – moved to First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Points of Contact
Please reach out at any time for additional information.
If you need assistance finding shelter, call 211 or visit . Assistance may also be available from the , 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)
Human services / food resources
- Call 211 or visit for available information and a range of resources from utility assistance, food, housing, and more. 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual helpline providing a one-stop connection to local community services.
- The City of Renton's Human Services Division funds multiple agencies that can help with daily necessities:
Crisis Cleanup: Washington floods home cleanup hotline
If you need assistance with damage from the Washington Floods, call (844) 965-1386. Crisis Cleanup will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups, and faith communities who may be able to assist with:
- Cut fallen trees
- Drywall, flooring, and appliance removal
- Tarping roofs
- Mold mitigation
All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through January 2, 2026.
Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, or insurance. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.
Flood recovery information for home and property owners
Property damage caused by flooding can feel overwhelming and stressful. The information below will help you report damage to your home or property and understand the resources that may become available to help you.
Health and safety tips when entering flooded property
- Turn off utilities before re-entering.
- Do NOT touch electrical equipment while touching water - call your utility to disconnect.
- Avoid touching flood water and wash hands (and pets).
- Wear an N95 mask, gloves, goggles, and protective gear when cleaning.
- Open windows and doors and pump out water after flood waters recede. Mold can grow within 24-48 hours after a flood.
- Throw away any garden produce and food that has touched flood water.
- Food in sealed containers can be used if washed before opening.
- If you have a flooded septic system, don't use your septic system during a flood. Disinfect your septic system after the flood. After flooding subsides, contact an on-site sewage system maintainer to check that the flooding did not damage your septic system. The Washington Department of Health has more information about flooding and septic systems
- If you have a flooded private water system or well, use only bottled, boiled (rolling boil for 1 minute), or treated water. Review the information about flooding on our drinking water emergencies page.
Report damages
If you were affected by recent weather events please submit an impact survey for damages or other impacts to private property or businesses to one, or both, of the below King County surveys.
How to document and file a home damage claim
Insurance is always the first recourse in recovering financially from a disaster. Accurate documentation is essential for insurance. If our community is determined to be eligible for potential FEMA assistance, documentation will be essential as well. Follow these steps:
- Gather Your Information: Have your home insurance policy number, insurance company contact information, and personal details ready.
- Document the Disaster: Record the date, time, cause of damage, and a detailed description of what happened.
- List Damaged or Missing Property: List everything that is damaged or missing. Take clear photos and videos of all damage, both inside and outside of your home.
- Save All Receipts: Keep receipts for repairs, replacements, and any disaster-related costs. These may be reimbursed.
- Act Quickly: Photograph and record damage before cleaning up, repairing, or discarding items.
- Record Serial Numbers: Document serial numbers for electronics and appliances when possible.
- Prepare for FEMA Inspections: If your area is approved for FEMA assistance, you will need to apply online or by phone. During your assessment, clearly describe all damage and impacts. Information on how to apply for FEMA assistance will be provided if Washington State receives a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Homeowners insurance and mold
- Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover mold, fungi, rust, or rot. WA State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has provided a list of insurance tips as flood recovery begins.
- Mold is usually treated as a maintenance issue rather than sudden disaster damage.
- Check your policy or speak with your agent to confirm your coverage.
Damage Assessment Guide
When you are assessing your damage and filling out the King County survey, here are the definitions for each level of damage:
Affected
- Waterline in the crawl space or unfinished basement
- Damage to attached structures, gutters, landscaping, or downed trees that do not block access
- No damage to essential living spaces or mechanical systems
Minor Damage
- Waterline below electrical outlets on the lowest floor with essential living space
- Damage or contamination to a private well or septic system
Major Damage
- Waterline at or above electrical outlets in essential living spaces
- Waterline on the first floor, even if the basement is fully submerged
Destroyed
- Collapse of major structural components (foundation, walls, roof)
- Waterline at or above the ceiling of a living space
- Only the foundation remains
- Home is at immediate risk (landslide, mudslide, sinkhole)
Important Note
Damage may be considered major even if water stays below electrical outlets when:
- Flooding lasted a long time
- Water contained sewage, fuel, or chemicals
- Mechanical systems in the basement were damaged
Debris cleanup
Three King County Solid Waste locations are accepting flood debris for free Saturdays and Sundays only through January 11, 2026:
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