Reminder to residents: Be prepared for storm hazards

The National Weather Service announced today a Flash Flood Watch for the North Bay, including Sonoma County, ahead of an atmospheric river forecast to arrive on Sunday, Oct. 24. This weather system is expected to bring four to six inches of rain to parts of the county, with some wetter areas and higher elevations seeing as much as nine inches of rain.

Residents living in and around wildfire burn scar areas are at higher risk of flash floods, rock falls and mud and debris flows and are reminded to be prepared for these hazards associated with storms. To help residents assess potential hazards and be prepared, the County of Sonoma has created Rain Ready Maps for the Glass Fireand for the LNU Lightning Complex (or Walbridge and Meyers fires).

Property owners are advised to use erosion control techniques, such as installing wattles and rock bags, and clearing fire-related debris from creeks and drainages to reduce flooding. For additional erosion prevention information, visit srcity.org/RainReady. Rain preparedness information can also be found online for the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County in the LNU Lightning Complex and Glass Firewebpages on socoemergency.org.

It is equally important to remain alert to possible threats and be prepared to evacuate if you receive an emergency alert or warning for your designated evacuation zone. If anyone feels in danger, they should never wait for an evacuation notice to leave their home. Don’t hesitate to evacuate. Know your zone – look up your evacuation zone online at socoemergency.org/get-ready/evacuation-map/.

Residents should be advised of 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.

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.

Sign-up for alerts

SoCoAlert: Sign up at SoCoAlert.com to receive emergency notifications by landline or mobile phone, text message and email. 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 or text messages with alerts and advisories.

The Wireless Emergency Alert system may also be activated for critical life-safety notifications. To activate this alert, make sure you cell phone settings are set up to accept these emergency and public safety alerts and always keep your phone on.

In areas with limited cell service, or in areas that may experience power outages, have a battery-powered National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio on hand to receive critical messages from the National Weather Service.

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

In the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, sand and some sandbags will be available at the following locations:

Monte Rio Fire Station
9870 Main Street, Monte Rio

Sonoma County Fire District Station 7
6554 Mirabel Road, Forestville

Sonoma County Fire District Station 9
14100 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville

Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works – Guerneville Road Yard
14900 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville

In the City of Santa Rosa, sandbags are available at:

City of Santa Rosa Municipal Services Center South
55 Stony Point Rd, Santa Rosa

(Be prepared to present an ID with a City of Santa Rosa address upon entry)

Contact Information:
County of Sonoma
Stuart Tiffen
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040

Contact Information:
City of Santa Rosa
Adriane Mertens
pio@srcity.org
(707) 543-4777