Santa Clara Valley Water District

Sandbag sites

• The water district’s sandbag sites are open from late November through April. Sites may be stocked with filled sandbags based on availability; at minimum, sites are stocked with sand and empty bags for self-filling
• Locations and more sandbag info are here

Where can you find more information about flooding, flood safety and whether your home is at risk?

• The California Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have developed California’s Flood Future: Recommendations for Managing the State’s Flood Risk, which includes a  map of Santa Clara County’s flood hazards  [PDF 650 KB]. See this  summary fact sheet  [PDF 350 KB]
  
  
• Stay informed about the local emergency situation during a storm on the district's emergency updates web page
  
  
• Track creek and reservoir levels with continuously updated gauge readings
  
  
• To receive safety flood alerts and other occasional tips, text the word “WATER”
  to 84-444
  
  
• Be prepared with flood safety and other hazard information from FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency)
  
  
• Find FEMA flood zone maps, the National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) database and map viewer, including Google Earth layers, and much more on the FEMA Map Service Center
  
  
• Need flood insurance? Check here for FEMA flood insurance information
  
  
• Learn more about property protection measures from FEMA
  
  
• Streams and flood channels need to be maintained to protect against flooding. Here is information on the district’s Stream Maintenance Program, including a link to the online creek work request form.
  
  
• Learn more about the benefits of taking care of local streams and protecting the natural creek habitat
  
  
• Construction in the floodplain usually requires a special permit from your city or the county. Special requirements apply when you are substantially improving your existing building. Check with your city's permitting office to learn about regulations specific to your area. Check below for a list of cities and their phone numbers.  
   
• Also use these numbers to report local street flooding.

• Are you at risk? Call your city's public works department for your official flood zone designation.