Rainy season is here again, which makes this is a good time to prepare your family and property for the likelihood of severe winter storms.
Storm Preparation
- Check your property for clogged drains, gutters, and drainage pipes.
- Check your roof downspouts to make sure that storm water is directed away from foundations.
- Deploy sandbags (see below) to deflect runoff from areas of your property that have been prone to flooding.
- Help prevent storm drain blockages by clearing leaves and other debris from street gutters.
- Check to see if storm drain inlets on the street and near your property are clear of leaves and debris.
- Develop an emergency plan with your family and practice it.
- Create a go bag in case you need to evacuate on short notice.
- Sign up for Alert Marin to receive emergency alerts by cellular phone call, text message, or email.
Sandbags
- Sand and bags for making sandbags are available at a 24-hour, drive-up location in the MLK Parking Lot maintained by the Public Works Department.
- The wooden enclosure with sand can be found on the southern edge of the parking lot. Empty sandbags are next to the enclosure.
- A shovel is available for filling sandbags.
During a Storm
- Call 9-1-1 if you come across a downed tree or live wires; do not attempt to move any wires from the roadway or your property.
- Remove accumulated leaves or debris from storm drains on your street if you can do so safely.
- Report blocked storm drains to the Department of Public Works via online form, app (Apple, Android) or by calling (415) 289-4106.
Excess Runoff
- If you see significant runoff on a slope that is not typically used for drainage, it could be due to a blockage or diversion of water from its regular course somewhere upstream.
- Please report these instances to Public Works (see above).
- If you feel that the situation constitutes an emergency, call 9-1-1.
