Flood Preparation

While the County and other agencies work hard to prepare for inclement weather, flooding can still happen. Residents and business owners should take some time while the sun is still out to evaluate the need for flood insurance, permanent drainage improvements on their property, and last-minute emergency actions such as sand bags and timber deflectors.

Fires in our watersheds can amplify the need to prepare, and prepare early. Fires have impacted watersheds in our County for decades. A burned watershed creates a new dynamic that should heighten everyone's awareness. While in many cases, flooding occurs from sustained rainfall over days that triggers flood flows, a burned watershed can yield the same result, or worse, with a single rainfall that would otherwise not even cause runoff.

Myth A 100-year flood occurs only once every 100 years.	Fact The 100-year flood is a climactic average; there is a 1% chance that a 100-year flood will occur in any given year.
Myth Flash floods mainly occur in the eastern United States.	Fact Flash floods occur in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Myth Flash floods occur only along flowing streams.	Fact Flash floods can occur in dry arroyos and urban areas where no streams are present.
Myth Flash floods occur mainly in the late afternoon and evening.	Fact Many flash floods occur at night.
Myth Homeowners insurance policies cover flooding.	Fact Unfortunately, many homeowners do not find out until it is too late that their policies do not cover flooding. Contact your insurance company or agent to buy flood insurance.
Myth You can't buy flood insurance if your property has been flooded.	Fact You are still eligible to purchase flood insurance after your home, apartment, or business has been flooded, provided your community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Myth Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups, are safe to drive through flood waters.	Fact Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUVs and pickups

National Flood Insurance Quick Guide (PDF)

Sand Bagging