Washington homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or wall entry. Western WA homes often have the shutoff in a crawl space or at the meter box at the street. Know both locations. Earthquake scenarios require fast shutoff to prevent flooding from broken pipes.

Gas shutoff: earthquake preparedness

Puget Sound Energy Gas or Avista serves most WA. Know the meter shutoff location and keep a wrench accessible near it. A Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake will likely rupture gas lines across western WA; shutoff knowledge is the most important earthquake preparation for WA homeowners. PSE Gas emergency: 1-888-225-5773. Avista: 1-800-227-9187.

Crawl space condition

Western Washington's rainfall makes crawl space moisture management critical. Inspect at move-in for standing water, vapor barrier condition, and pest activity. Wet crawl spaces grow mold and rot floor joists in WA's mild, damp climate.

Gutter and drainage maintenance

Western WA's rainfall (Seattle averages 38 inches; Olympic Peninsula averages 140+ inches) requires clean, functional gutters and good drainage. Clean gutters twice yearly minimum. Clogged gutters in a wet climate cause roof damage, foundation water intrusion, and ice dam formation on east-side WA homes.

Mold monitoring

Western WA's constant low-level moisture makes mold monitoring essential. Check under sinks, in closets against exterior walls, and in the bathroom/kitchen monthly. Musty smell is immediate action territory.

Eastern WA wildfire preparation

Eastern Washington is dry and has experienced catastrophic wildfires (2020 Babb Fire, 2021 Bootleg Fire spillover). Establish 30-foot defensible space, screen vents with metal mesh, and know your evacuation route from Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, and Tri-Cities interface communities.

Western WA roof inspection

Seattle-area roofs take constant moisture loading and moss/algae growth. Annual inspection: check for moss accumulation (zinc strip treatments prevent regrowth), lifted shingles, and deteriorated flashing at chimneys and skylights.

Pro recommended: Licensed Roofer

Heat dome events in western WA

Western Washington's 2021 heat dome produced 116°F temperatures in Portland and 108°F in Seattle, unprecedented for a region with minimal AC penetration. Only 40% of Seattle homes had AC at the time. Install a portable AC or window unit before summer as a heat safety measure.

Eastern WA wildfire season monitoring

Monitor DNR fire danger ratings daily during fire season. Know your evacuation zone and route before fire season begins (June 1).

Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake preparation

Washington's comprehensive earthquake preparation is essential. Secure water heater and furnace to studs. Anchor bookcases and tall furniture. Store a 72-hour emergency kit. Know how to shut off gas. For Puget Sound coastal communities: know your tsunami evacuation route (clearly marked in western WA coastal towns).

Winter storm supply preparation

Stock 7 days of supplies before November. Western WA ice storms in 2019, 2021, and 2023 caused days-long outages. Eastern WA: stock 10 days for blizzard capability.

Cascadia Subduction Zone: prepare now

The CSZ produces magnitude 8.0-9.0+ earthquakes every 200-500 years. The last was in 1700. Each year that passes increases the probability of the next event. Secure all tall furniture. Store food and water for 2 weeks (post-CSZ, supply chains will be disrupted for weeks). Have a paper map of your area; phones won't work. Know your tsunami zone if within 30 miles of the coast.

Vapor barriers and ventilation

Western WA homes need complete crawl space vapor barriers, functioning bathroom exhaust fans (vented to exterior, not attic), and HVAC systems that circulate air. A home that stays sealed in WA's wet climate grows mold; daily ventilation (even briefly opening windows) reduces moisture accumulation.

Tsunami evacuation for coastal communities

The Washington coast, Puget Sound communities on low ground, and Olympic Peninsula coastal areas have tsunami inundation zones. Know if your home is in a tsunami zone (maps at mil.wa.gov). A CSZ earthquake means a tsunami arrives in 15-30 minutes. If you feel the ground shake for more than 20 seconds near the coast: don't wait for a warning. Go to high ground immediately.

Western WA windstorms

The Puget Sound region experiences major windstorms (the 2006 windstorm left 1 million+ without power for up to 11 days). Stock 7 days of supplies before November. Puget Sound Energy: 1-888-225-5773. Seattle City Light: 1-206-684-3000.

Drop, Cover, Hold On, then check for gas and structural damage

Drop to hands and knees. Cover under a sturdy table or desk, or against an interior wall. Hold on until shaking stops. After: check for gas smell (shut off at meter if present). Do not enter buildings with visible structural damage. Move to higher ground immediately if near the coast; tsunami following CSZ has 15-30 minute lead time.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at meter. Open all faucets. Post-earthquake: do not attempt to thaw or repair pipes until the gas is confirmed off and the structure is confirmed safe.

Crawl space and grade-level flooding

Do not enter flooded spaces if electrical equipment is submerged. Call Puget Sound Energy (1-888-225-5773), Seattle City Light (1-206-684-3000), or Avista (1-800-227-9187) to disconnect at the meter. Pump out, dry immediately.

Western WA windstorm outages

Western WA windstorm outages routinely last 3-11 days. Puget Sound Energy: 1-888-225-5773. Seattle City Light: 1-206-684-3000. Pacific Power: 1-877-508-5088. Generator outside only, 20+ feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Puget Sound Energy Gas: 1-888-225-5773. Avista: 1-800-227-9187. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

Two ways out of every room. Outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911. Never re-enter.