Reminder to Residents: Be Prepared for Potential Winter Storm Hazards

The City of Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma encourage residents living in and around wildfire burn areas to be prepared for winter storms. This means being aware of potential threats, such as flash floods, rock falls, debris flows and mud flows. To help residents assess potential hazards to their property and be prepared, the County of Sonoma has created Rain Ready Maps for the Glass Fire and for the Walbridge and Meyers fires.

Residents living in burn areas at higher risk of flash flooding and mud and debris flows

It is important to remain alert to possible threats and be prepared to evacuate if you receive an emergency alert or warning for your zone. Please review the following safety information.

Be Prepared to Go

• Pack emergency supply bags and identify what you would want to save in an emergency. Consider the 6 P’s: People and pets, important papers, prescriptions, pictures, personal computers, and plastic/paper money.
• Create an evacuation plan and include two possible evacuation routes. Santa Rosa residents are encouraged to visit srcity.org/KnowYourWaysOut

Maintain Awareness of Potential Hazards

• Flash flooding: Normally, rainfall is absorbed by vegetation and soils, reducing runoff. However, wildfires remove vegetation and may leave soil unable to absorb water, creating potential flash flood conditions. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored — up to five years after a wildfire.
• Mud and debris flows: Debris and ash, along with other sediments, can be picked up in flood waters and form mud and debris flows.
• Report flooding or mud and debris flows by calling 9-1-1.

Know your Alerts

• Wireless Emergency Alerts: Always keep your phone on, with the ringer on, to receive alerts from the National Weather Service or local emergency officials.
• SoCoAlert: Sign up to receive emergency notifications at SoCoAlert.com. SoCoAlert will be used to send an emergency notification if there is an imminent threat to life or property.
• Nixle: Receive email and text messages from local fire and law enforcement agencies that include public safety messages as well as emergency information. Text your zip code to 888777 to opt-in or sign up online to receive email, text or voice messages with alerts and advisories.
• In areas with limited cell service, or in areas that may experience power outages, have a battery-powered weather emergency radio on hand to receive critical messages from the National Weather Service.

To learn more about emergency preparedness, including information about preparing your property for rain, Santa Rosa residents are encouraged to visit srcity.org/emergency and Sonoma County residents visit socoemergency.org.