During the winter season, it's important to remember that flooding can happen any time it rains. The extreme drought conditions that Santa Clara County has endured over the last year have hardened the ground. This hardening can increase run-off to streams and creeks during the first few days of heavy rain, elevating the risk of flooding.
National Weather Service Alerts
The past year has shown that we need to be prepared for anything. Climate change has made extreme weather the new normal, and as the rainy season approaches, we ask that you take some time to make sure you are ready in case of a flood.
While Valley Water's projects have improved flood protection for more than 100,000 homes, businesses and properties, parts of Santa Clara County are susceptible to flooding every year.
As we all spend more time in our homes during these challenging times, we invite you to use this guide as a resource to follow nine essential steps to GET FLOOD READY and keep your home and businesses safe in case of a flood. Click here to view the NINE ESSENTIAL TIPS.
Flood Protection Resources:
Make an Emergency Plan
Know Your Flood Risks
Insure Your Property from Flood Hazards
Download Disaster and Emergency Apps
Flood Safety Advice
Sandbag Distribution Sites
Report Creek Blockages and Local Street Flooding
STAY INFORMED DURING STORMS & EMERGENCIES
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/valleywater
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCVWD/
- National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/mtr/
As the flood protection authority for the county, Valley Water takes flood protection seriously. Every year before winter, Valley Water crews prepare our waterways to help carry floodwaters safely. Our crews are hard at work removing vegetation and sediment to improve the flow of water. During the rainy season, our crews go out during and after storms to clear creeks that we manage of debris and fallen trees that can cause blockage and result in flooding. We go the extra mile to help keep residents flood safe.
You too can take precautions to keep your family, property, and business flood-safe. You don’t need to share a fence with a creek to experience a flood. Many residents are unknowingly exposed to flood risks from storms, backed-up storm drains, and run-off from overtopping creeks. The first step toward being safe from floods is knowing your risk.
QUESTIONS? Call Valley Water at (408) 265-2600 or use Access Valley Water, our online customer service portal.
For any public inquiries on basic flood information, such as flood insurance, zones, mapping, etc., please send the inquiry to our Community Projects Review Unit (CPRU). They can be reached at 408-630-2650 or at [email protected].
