Floods, even small ones, can have dire consequences.  A full-grown man can be knocked off his feet in as little as six inches of moving water, and flood waters can damage landscaping, homes, possessions, vehicles, and utilities.  While rainfall itself may not directly cause a flood, clogged storm drains and sewer systems can, sometimes leading to sinkholes or other road damage hidden beneath the pooled water.  In addition, heavy rains can trigger mudslides that can damage or bury property and possessions.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department knows that with Southern California's history of drought, rainstorms often drop more water than the hard, dry ground is capable of absorbing.  As a result flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in the flat desert areas of the Antelope Valley and in older areas with poor drainage, can and often does occur.

Most LA County Fire Stations have free sandbags and instructional materials for you to prepare and protect your property from flooding and mudslides.  If you live in a flood-prone area (ex., water comes up over street curbs during a rainstorm, drainage channels have flowing water in them, storm drains back up and/or water collects on the street around them, front lawns pool water instead of draining off excess), or have a steep hillside adjacent to or on your property that may be prone to mudslides, take advantage now before the next big rainstorm hits.

For more information on erosion control, download the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works' A Homeowner's Guide to Erosion Control. 

The following links will open in a new window:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Coordinated Agency Recovery Effort (CARE)
Los Angeles County Fire Department

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