San Rafael, CA – Don’t let the drought fool you: The rainy season is headed our way. Winter storms are not expected to end the state’s drought, but catastrophic flooding is a reality in Marin County. California Flood Preparedness Week starts October 24 and with it comes the 2nd annual Marin Flood Preparedness Fair on Saturday, October 29 in San Rafael.
Easkoot Creek in Stinson Beach is shown overflowing its banks during a storm in December 2014.
The California Department of Water Resources states that there’s actually an increased risk of flooding during a severe drought. Marin’s worst flooding of the past decade occurred during a drought year, on December 11, 2014. The intense storm dropped 6 inches of rain into the Novato watershed in less than 48 hours, causing the Marin County Board of Supervisors to issue a state of emergency. The result was over $1 million in damages, including sections of Panoramic Highway being washed out.
Regardless of weather speculation, the Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District prepares every year as though it is an El Niño year. The district implements a consistent system of facility testing and creek maintenance throughout the year to reduce flood risks. Flood control zone-specific updates regarding maintenance, storm preparedness and responses are provided on www.marinwatersheds.org.
Marin Flood Preparedness Fair is an additional step in the district’s public awareness and education efforts.
“Tidal flooding happens even on sunny days,” said Flood Fair organizer and County Water Resources engineering assistant Bené da Silva. “During the rainy season flooding can happen anywhere and at any time. The key is to be prepared and be proactive.”
Local residents, property owners and business owners can learn the best ways to prepare for winter storms. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main ballroom of the Hilton Embassy Suites, at 101 McInnis Parkway in San Rafael.
Fair attendees will:
- Learn the details of their specific flood control zone
- Get tips about safety and protecting property by experts from all of Marin’s eight flood control zones
- See demonstrations for proper safety measures such as sand bag preparation
- Find out how to receive emergency alerts
- Learn basic information on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
- Learn about the community’s level of flood preparedness
- See what resources are available to the public
- Share ideas with other residents
- And much more!
Exhibitors include local, regional and national flood control agencies, environmental groups, emergency services specialists, town and city representatives and private companies.
Learn more on the district’s flood preparedness webpage.
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held at accessible sites. If you are a person with a disability and require information or materials in alternative formats – or if you require accommodation to participate in a county program, service or activity – please contact department staff at least five days in advance of the event at (415) 473-7331 or (415) 473-4381 (voice/TTY) or e-mail disabilityaccess@marincounty.org.