City of Elk Grove

(916) 687-3005

For Citywide landscape or landscape irrigation problems or emergencies day or night, please call (916) 405-5688, or visit: YourCSD

Public Works

Flood Control: Flood Preparation

24-hour emergency number: (916) 687-3005

*Please note: Important storm, flood and sandbag information will be noted here. Please check back for current updates.

Additional information for flood control:

Phone numbers:

Utility agencies have personnel to handle
emergency calls 24 hours a day.
24-hour emergency number: (916) 687-3005

Storm Drainage Flooding 24 hour Public Works service number:	(916) 687-3005
SMUD	(888) 456-7683
PG&E 24-hour Emergency & Customer Service	(800) 743-5000
PG&E 24-hour Power Outage Information	(800) 743-5002
To report a hazardous situation, please call 911 or PG&E at (800) 743-5000.
Police/Fire Emergency	911
Elk Grove Police Department	(916) 714-5115
Caltrans	(800) 427-7623 or (916) 445-7623

Flood Control: Flood Preparedness

Elk Grove is well-protected against flood hazards, but any area may be subject to flooding under the most severe weather conditions.

Preparing for a Flood…

Watch and listen to broadcasts
- If a flood is predicted or is occurring, you should be alerted by local TV stations and radio stations.
Clear blocked street drains
- Use a rake to pull leaves and other debris away from drains (Do not remove drain inlet grates).
Have supplies ready
- Be prepared with supplies like plastic sheeting, lumber and sandbags. You can keep large corks or stoppers on hand to plug showers, tubs or basins to keep water from rising up through pipes.
Stock up on bottled water
- Have an adequate water supply stored in your pantry in case water service is cut off.

During the Flood…

Monitor local weather forecasts
- National Weather Service Forecast System Information line (916) 979-3051 or www.weather.gov/sacramento
- Local Radio stations: KFBK, 1530 AM or KSTE, 650 AM
- Local television stations: KCRA 3, Fox 40, News 10, CBS 13/31 & Univision 19
Prepare to take direction from authorities
Bring possessions inside
Use sandbags to divert water from entrances to your home
Anticipate sanitary backup
- Anticipate the possibility that your sanitary sewer or septic system could back up and toilets and sink drains could be unusable
Do not touch any electrical appliances that are wet or standing in water
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters
Confine or secure your pets
Contact your family. Refrain from using the telephone again except to report property damage or life threatening emergencies. Call 911 only if you believe you or other persons are in danger. Call City of Elk Grove Public Works at (916) 687-3005 to report water entering your home or business.
Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons, or families with infants

After the Flood…

If food or medicine has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out
Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building
Stay away from downed power lines
Use extreme caution when entering buildings after a flood. Examine walls, floors, doors and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapse
Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches
Look for:
- Fire hazards
- Broken or leaking gas lines
- Flooded electrical circuits
- Submerged furnaces or electrical appliances
- Flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream
Check for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly. (You will need a professional to turn gas back on).
Shut off any other damaged utilities
Report potential emergencies to authorities
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately
Watch for animals, like snakes, that may have come into your home with flood waters
Take pictures of the damage - both of the house and its contents for insurance claims

Modified excerpts from Talking about Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages. Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, D.C., 1999.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
City of Elk Grove Public Works (916) 687-3005
Sacramento County Web Site: www.FloodReady.org

Flood Warnings

Flood Warning Type	Description*	When an alert is issued
Flood Watch	A flood is possible in your area	• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. • Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
Flood Warning	A flood is already occurring or will occur soon in your area	• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
Flash Flood Watch	A flash flood is possible in your area	• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
Flash Flood Warning	A flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon in your area	• If you think a flash flood has started already, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. • Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades. • If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

*The flood warning definitions above are based on those from the National Weather Service.

Last updated: 7/22/10 5:37 PM

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Public Works

Flood Control: Flood Preparation

Flood Control: Flood Preparedness