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Before / During / After Rain Events
Before It Rains
- Always check with the Community Development Department before you build on, fill, alter to regrade your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that such projects do not cause problems on other properties.
- Every piece of trash can contribute to flooding. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels. If your property is next to a ditch, creek, storage basin, or other waterway, please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and debris.
- Do not dump or throw anything into drainage ditches, creeks, basins, or other waterways. Such dumping causes pollution and is a violation of Federal, State and Local codes and should be emailed to the Stormwater Quality Division.
- You can do your part in helping the drainage system work. Sweep or pick up your gutters to prevent blockages in the storm drains. Remove trash, fallen branches, and other debris from ditches and drain inlets to help prevent blockages.
- Additional measures to protect a property from flood damage may include retrofitting structures, grading, correcting local drainage problems, and such emergency measures as moving furniture and sandbagging.
- Maps of the local flood hazard areas (designated floodplains) are available at FEMA's website.
During the Rain Event & Flooding
- Stay connected with the latest news during emergencies or flood warnings through radio, television, and web, including Placer County Emergency Services.
- Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. For more information see the National Weather Service’s campaign, “Turn Around Don’t Drown.”
- Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
- Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer, after drowning, is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the utility company or emergency personnel.
- Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Stay clear of unstable stream banks.
After the Storm
- Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. It also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
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Floodplain Management
Physical Address
3091 County Center Drive
Suite 220
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone 530-745-7503
HoursMonday through Friday8 a.m. to 5 p.m.