OC Public Works Preparation:
OC Public Works will have crews and equipment ready to respond to rain-related issues in order to keep roadways open. For sandbag information, visit OCFA.org.
If you require additional assistance for sandbags, please contact your City Public Works department or the County Public Works Department for unincorporated areas.
For storm-related resources, visit our Storm Center at www.OCStormCenter.com
For general flood protection information, visit https://ocip.ocpublicworks.com/be-flood-ready
Orange County Fire Authority Preparation:
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will staff additional resources and monitor the weather, incidents, and resources to determine if additional staffing will be necessary.
The OCFA increases staffing for any potential incoming storms. This includes the addition of two additional swift water rescue teams, a Type 1 swift water rescue team, both helicopters staffed with rescuers, two dozers, hand crew firefighters, and incident management team command staff in the Department Operations Center.
Find sandbags available for local residents and business owners at all OCFA fire stations and sand at designated stations. A list of stations can be found at ocfa.org under “Residents.” Limit quantity is 20 per family, while supplies last. Residents will be asked to bring a shovel.
Be sure to follow OCFA on X, Instagram, and Facebook for public safety updates, and sign up for AlertOC for evacuation alerts here.
Residents Guidance:
Residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Remove or secure loose, lightweight items on your property that can flow into gutters and clog storm drains, potential causing flooding.
- When it’s safe – survey your property to make sure all the drains are clear of debris.
- When the storm stops – check your rain gutters to make sure they’re not backed up ahead of the next storm.
- Stay out of creeks, riverbeds, any body of water during rain storms, as they become very dangerous with increasing amounts of water that move very quickly.
- Flood control channels are quickly filling up and trapping people.
- The speed of the water is very unforgiving
- Many hazards in the water that can’t be seen from the surface that can trap someone in it.
- Do not attempt to walk or drive through pooling water, especially if you can’t determine the depth of water.
- Just a few inches of moving water can knock you down, and ONE foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Turn Around, Don't Drown: When you’re driving, allow more time for travel to stay safe. We’re seeing more traffic collisions when it rains.
