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Flooding

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Riverside County. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, which may not be covered by Homeowners’ insurance.

Find sand and sandbags near you.

Tips for filling and placing sandbags to prevent flooding.

Flood Facts

  • In the past five years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.
  • Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Riverside County
  • Many people living in a flood zone are unaware that they are.
  • Homeowners' insurance typically does not cover flood damage.
  • Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
  • A car can easily be carried away by just one foot of rushing water

Below Are a Few Tips to Help You During Flooding

Before

To prepare yourself before a flood, have a family plan in place, keep an up-to-date disaster supply kit, have a designated safe place to go and don't forget that if you have pets, you should make a pet plan as well.

In addition to making a plan and building a kit it’s wise to take a look at your property. If you get a significant amount of rain is there a possibility of water entering your residence? What roadways around your home are prone to flooding? Considering the probabilities will help you to properly anticipate the impacts of an impending disaster. If your property is susceptible to flooding don't wait until the last minute to take action. Sandbags are available from many hardware supply stores. Use the internet or phone book to find hardware suppliers and local resources for sand.

During

During weather events monitor your local news sources for the latest updates. Periodically check your property to know if water is nearing your home. If your preparations still aren't holding back the water many fire stations keep a supply of emergency sandbags and will give you up to 10, free of charge. Sand may or may not be available depending on the fire station.

After

After the rain has stopped, clean up any debris you may find. Things like excess leaves and broken tree limbs can clog natural and man made drainages, causing water to back up.

Be sure to clear areas of standing water to prevent mosquitoes.

While Driving

A car can float in as little as 12 inches of water (18 inches for larger vehicles). Sadly, people die every year because they attempt to drive through flooded roadways and misjudge the depth and/or the speed of water. Roads can flood with little or no warning. Use the resources listed below to check for road or freeway closures and plan your trips to avoid closed or flooded roadways. During weather events the number of flooded roadways may make it difficult for crews to immediately close a road. Heed the warning to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" when you see a flooded roadway -- even if you don't see that the road has been closed and never EVER drive around barriers.