Flood Readiness for Creekside Property Owners
What to do before, during, and after a flood
BEFORE A FLOOD
Know your property and creek
Check if your property is in a flood zone: valleywater.org/floodzone
Know where the creek is relative to your home, structures, and low-lying areas on your property.
Understand your flood risk and know how you will get to higher ground if needed.
Sign up for AlertSCC and monitor local weather and emergency information.
Prepare your creekside property
- From a safe location, observe the creek for fallen trees, large debris, or other potential blockages.
- Do not dump trash, yard waste, or other materials into a creek.
- Know whether the creek in your area is privately owned, owned by another public agency, or maintained by Valley Water for flood protection.
- Property owners may be responsible for vegetation management, erosion repair, and removal of graffiti, trash, debris, and fallen trees on property they own. Owners are not required to enlarge or increase creek capacity for flood protection. To determine property ownership or whether Valley Water has an easement, contact Valley Water through Access Valley Water.
- Before vegetation or tree removal, grading, or building in or near a creek, contact your local planning department to determine whether permits or approvals are required.
Prepare your home and family
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear.
- Protect doors, low windows, vents and other openings where floodwater could enter your home. Move valuables and important documents to higher locations.
- Know how to shut off utilities safely.
- Keep emergency supplies, charged phones, and flashlights ready.
- Know where household members and pets will go if evacuation is necessary.
Consider flood insurance
- Standard homeowners’ and renters’ insurance generally do not cover flood damage.
- Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and may be available even outside high-risk flood areas.
- Flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins, so start now! https://www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/flood-insurance
DURING A FLOOD
Stay away from the creek
- Do not enter the creek or approach fast-moving water to inspect your property, retrieve debris, or remove a blockage.
- Do not attempt creek maintenance during unsafe conditions or high flows.
- Ensure adults, children, and pets are kept away from flooded areas and creek banks.
Report problems - do not put yourself at risk
- If you safely observe a significant creek blockage, fallen tree, or other obstruction, report it to Valley Water or the responsible party.
- Report pollution or illegal dumping to Valley Water: https://www.valleywater.org/saving-water/outdoor-conservation/report-water-waste
- Report street flooding or blocked storm drains to your city’s Public Works Department: https://www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/report-creek-blockages-local-flooding
Follow emergency instructions
- Monitor AlertSCC, local officials, weather information, and Valley Water updates.
- If evacuation is ordered, leave immediately and move to a safe location.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater and never go around barricades.
AFTER A FLOOD
Wait until it is safe
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Stay out of the creek and away from floodwater; banks may be unstable and hazards may remain after rain stops.
Check your creekside property
- Look for new or worsening erosion, fallen or damaged trees, accumulated debris, damaged fences, or other visible changes.
- Do not assume Valley Water is responsible for every creek maintenance issue. Responsibility depends on property ownership, Valley Water land rights or easements, and the type of creek or flood protection infrastructure involved.
- If you are unsure who is responsible, submit a request through Access Valley Water.
Check before repairing
- Do not begin vegetation or tree removal, grading, construction, or other significant creek work until you have determined whether permits or approvals are required.
- Contact your local planning department to determine which requirements apply.
Document damage and clean up safely
- Photograph or record damage before beginning major cleanup, when it is safe to do so.
- If you have coverage, contact your flood insurance provider and keep records of cleanup and repair costs.
- Treat floodwater and mud as contaminated and avoid contact with downed power lines and other electrical hazards.
KEY CONTACTS
- Creek blockages, fallen trees, or significant obstructions on Valley Water property: Valley Water Watersheds Operations & Maintenance Hotline, 408-630-2378.
- Creek maintenance questions or questions about responsibility: Access Valley Water, access.valleywater.org.
- Pollution or illegal dumping: Valley Water Pollution Hotline, 888-510-5151.
- Street flooding or blocked storm drains: Contact your city’s Public Works Department.
VALLEY WATER FLOOD-READY RESOURCES
- Flood Safety Advice: valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/flood-safety-advice
- Report Creek Blockages & Local Flooding: valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/report-creek-blockages-local-flooding
- Flood Insurance: valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/flood-insurance
- Are You Flood Ready?: valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready