San Luis Obispo Public Works: Flood Preparedness Guide

Flood Preparedness
by The SLO Answerman Preparing for winter weather in San Luis Obispo doesn't mean buying snow tires and installing storm windows. (We're so lucky, aren't we? Repeat after me: Yes, we're so lucky.)Preparing for winter weather in San Luis Obispo doesn't mean buying snow tires and installing storm windows. (We're so lucky, aren't we? Repeat after me: Yes, we're so lucky.) Preparing for winter weather in San Luis Obispo doesn't mean buying snow tires and installing storm windows. (We're so lucky, aren't we? Repeat after me: Yes, we're so lucky.)

And, of course, "it never rains in California," or so the old song says. Getting ready for winter weather means grabbing the suntan lotion and enjoying fun in the sun, right?

Well, as Scrooge would say, "Bah, humbug!" You and I both know how wrong that old song is. Flooding - even during an average winter - is a reality San Luis Obispo residents face every year.

But don't worry.
Be ready!

And I, The SLO Answerman - with a little help from my pals at the City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department - am here to answer questions about how to get ready for winter weather. So ask away!

What does our local floodplain consist of, SLO Answerman? Back to Top

Well, four major streams - and numerous minor waterways - cause flooding in San Luis Obispo. The four major streams are San Luis Obispo Creek, Stenner Creek, Old Garden Creek and Prefumo Creek. Memorize these names. Impress your friends at your next party.

How long does a flood usually last? Back to Top

Flooding can last from 30 minutes to several hours - not too long, really. There's a catch, though: Flooding can occur with little or no warning, and even short-lived floods can do damage. In fact, any flooding situation usually causes some damage. During past storms (most recently in 1994), many of these usually-calm waterways overflowed, flooding nearby businesses and homes.

You may be lucky: Your property may be high enough that it was not flooded recently. But that doesn't mean you should rest on your laurels, nosirreebob. If you are in a floodplain, the odds are that someday your property will be damaged.

Do you have a flood zone map?   Back to Top

To find out if your property might be located within one of the flood zones, use our flood map or feel free to give us a call for more specific information at (805) 781-7201.

How will I know if there is a flood danger during a storm?   Back to Top

"For the next 60 seconds, this station will conduct a test of the Emergency Broadcast System...Bzzzz. Beeeeep." Annoying, isn't it? But it's essential during a flood situation. In coordination with the local Office of Emergency Services, the County of San Luis Obispo and the National Weather Service issue emergency flood warnings through the local radio and television stations. So be a good citizen and stay informed by listening to these early warnings and advisories.

How can I stay safe if I must travel during a storm?   Back to Top

Be extra aware of your surroundings and possible hazards. Pay special attention to road conditions. Note the amount of water flowing in or across flooded streets and under or over bridges. Do not attempt to cross flooded streets. Avoid problem areas and always plan an alternate route, if possible, before you leave your home or business. Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you should reach your destination.

Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one case of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can cause you to lose your footing.

But aren't I safe inside my car?   Back to Top

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but more people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Only two feet of water can sweep away an automobile. The moral? Do not drive through a flooded area. Do not drive around road barricades; the road or bridge may be washed out or unstable, or may be subject to swift currents.

What should I do if I see downed power lines?   Back to Top

Stay away - I repeat, stay away - from power and electrical wires. The SLO Answerman is getting serious here: The second leading cause of death in floods is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report any downed power lines to Pacific Gas & Electric Company (800) 743-5000 or the City Police Dept. at 781-7317.

Is it OK to watch the rushing water? It's so beautiful...   Back to Top

During heavy storms, many people want to park their car or stand on bridges over creeks to watch the swift-moving water. However, in a matter of seconds, large floating objects, like a fallen tree, can jam under the bridge, forcing the rushing water over the top of the bridge and possibly sweeping you, your car and anything else into the creek. So don't make the SLO Answerman angry, OK? Stay away from creeks and bridges.

What can you tell me about flood insurance?   Back to Top

Anyone can carry flood insurance; it is not limited to those properties in designated flood zones. If you don't have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because the City of San Luis Obispo participates in the National Flood Insurance program, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the federal government and is available to everyone, even if your property has been flooded.

How can I protect my property from flood damage?   Back to Top

There are several ways to protect your property and prevent or minimize flood damage. Options range from sandbagging around flood-prone areas to waterproofing walls to completely raising the structure. Call us at 781-RAIN for assistance. Our Winter Weather Handbook gives detailed information about sandbags and all kinds of other good stuff.

If you live next to a creek or drainage way, find out its past history before the rainy season hits. Then, during heavy storms, keep a watch on the rising water and report any potential problems you see to the authorities at the City Yard, 781-7220. That way, we government folks can do what we can to help prevent or eliminate flooding, property damage or loss of life.

If my property's in the floodplain, does that mean I can't develop it?   Back to Top

Just because you own property in a flood zone does not mean that you can't develop it. Usually you can, but you will encounter stricter flood zone specific development conditions. Construction costs will usually be higher, as will design costs. All new buildings must be raised above the established flood levels (commercial buildings may incorporate flood proofing if, in the opinion of the City, elevating the building is not feasible).

OK, what if I just want to remodel my building - which happens to be in a flood zone?   Back to Top

If you own a building in a flood zone and decide to remodel it or add on, you may be required to bring the building into compliance with the current flood regulations. This occurs when the total value of your remodels or additions (during any five-year period) equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the building before the new improvements are done. The market value does not include the value of the land.

Is there anything else I can do to get ready?   Back to Top

Clean out the gunk from the drainage ways around your property. And if you notice that one of the public drainage systems is blocked, please call us and let us know so we can clean up the mess. Debris, vegetation or anything blocking the drainage way can easily be removed during the dry season and can dramatically reduce flooding problems during winter storms.

The City inspects the major creeks and many of the minor waterways each year before the rainy season. But you can help by reporting any fallen trees or broken drains and pipes is a great help and allows us to make repairs - before the rains come down.

More questions? Great! The SLO Answerman loves to answer questions. Call me and my friends at the City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department at 781-RAIN. And remember, we also offer a free Winter Weather Handbook that details ways you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your property from flood damage.

So call us at 781-RAIN or check us out on the Web at www.getreadyslo.com. We're ready for anything. And you can be, too!