Flood Information

The County of Yuba, in serving all residents in the unincorporated areas of the County and supporting the cities of Marysville and Wheatland, would like to remind all residents residing in the County to take time to prepare for the winter storm and flood season. As the County, cities and special districts take time to prepare, so should you. Please educate yourself, and those you care about on preventative measures you can take now to keep yourself and your family safe and prevent damage to your home during strong winter storms. Be prepared to care for yourself for at least 72 hours in case of power outages or the need to evacuate arises.

Floods can happen anytime and anywhere. And they can happen fast. So whether you live near the water or not, you should always be ready. Here are some important things you can do to prepare:

Prepare an Emergency Plan

Whether you are preparing a personal or family plan, you will need to include at a minimum: the known evacuation routes specific to your community, identify a location your family will meet if separated during an evacuation, and identify a person (preferably out of the area) to notify of your whereabouts and safety. Talk to your neighbors about concerns specific to your neighborhood or community and identify ways you may be able to assist one another during an event. Residents with access and functional needs should create a personal support network that can assist you during an event. For additional information on disaster planning and “Tips for Preparedness”, please visit http://www.co.yuba.ca.us/departments/oes/links.aspx#preparednesstips

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Preparing an emergency kit prior to an event is a great way to prepare for an emergency situation. You’re Emergency or “Go Kit” should contain all essential items required for each person in your home for at least 72 hours. Consider items for those with access and functional needs, non-perishable food, water, medications, change of clothes, flashlights with additional batteries, blankets, a portable radio, alternate heating, and important family documents. For additional information on emergency preparedness kits, please visit http://www.co.yuba.ca.us/departments/oes/links.aspx#preparednesstips

Flood Insurance

Flood damage is not covered by homeowners policies. It doesn’t take a major body of water, or even a major storm, to cause a flood. Anything from a broken sewer line to a slow moving rainstorm can cause flooding. About 100 private insurance companies nationally offer affordable flood insurance backed by the federal government. Policies are available to homeowners, condo owners, apartment owners, renters and business owners alike. Take the initiative to protect your home and business. For more information you can contact the National Flood Insurance Program (sponsored by FEMA) at 1-888-435-6637 or www.floodsmart.gov.

Fact:  Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damaged caused by flooding.

Fact:  Flooding is most likely to happen in the fall, winter and spring.

Fact:  Levee protection in Yuba County is stronger than ever before, but it does not guarantee that flooding won't happen.

Fact:  Floods are not only caused by levee failures. Your home or business may be damaged by flooding caused by various factors, including clogged rains or heavy rains.

Fact:  Yuba County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which gives property owners access to the lowest-cost flood insurance available.

Fact:  Flood insurance policies start as low as $119 per year.

REDUCE YOUR RISK. GET FLOOD INSURANCE TODAY!

Call your insurance agent or NFIP at 1-800-427-4661

Wide Area Rapid Notification System (WARN)

The County of Yuba utilizes a telephone call out system as a method of getting emergency information to the public. When activated, the WARN system has the ability to send out a pre-recorded emergency message to thousands of phone numbers per minute. In the event you should receive such a call listen carefully to receive instructions. Information provided might include information on the nature of an emergency, how to receive further information, the need to evacuate or shelter in place, open evacuation routes and evacuation center or shelter information. Recorded messages will repeat a second time so be prepared to write down any necessary information.

Broadcasted Emergency Information

Local radio and television stations will provide information in the event of a major emergency. Specific emergency instructions will be broadcast by:

FM stations:
KGBY 92.5
KMJE 101.5

AM stations:
KFBK 1530
KSTE 650
KUBA 1600
KMYC 1410

Evacuation

Evacuate immediately if told to do so:

• Listen to your radio and follow instructions of local emergency officials
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes
• Take your emergency kit
• Lock your home
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities-don’t use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• Do not walk or drive through flowing water. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down. Two feet of water is enough to lift and move a vehicle.
• Keep away from downed power lines and any other electrical wires.
• Watch out for animals who’ve lost their homes during a flood. Animals may seek shelter in your home and aggressively defend themselves.

If you’re sure you have time:

• Shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
• Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for your pets.

Sandbags

If your home or business is prone to flooding you may choose to purchase sand bags to minimize the effects of rising water. Residents and business owners alike should not rely on the County as their only source for sand bags. The following is a list of area vendors that carry sand and/or bags:

Home Depot - 530-755-1715

Lowe’s - 530-844-5000

Marysville Plumbing & Building Supply -  530-742-7170

Orchard Supply & Hardware - 530-751-1633

Sutter Orchard Supply -  530-673-8068

Butte Sand & Grave - 530-741-9117

Home Depot - 530-755-1715

Knife River Sand & Gravel - 530-742-7245

Lowe’s - 530-844-5000

Marysville Plumbing & Building Supply - 530-742-7170

Orchard Supply & Hardware - 530-751-1633

Union Lumber - 530-743-4621

Disaster Assistance

After a flood some assistance may be available to you. Various Government and non profit organizations provide assistance to those that become victims of a disaster. However, most assistance is short term and deals only with immediate needs. Long term assistance will most likely come in the form of a loan which does need to be repaid. The bottom line is take precautions now. Don’t be a victim. Be prepared!

The following links may provide additional information that can assist you:

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods
Flood Preparedness and Response Information

The Federal Government
www.disasterhelp.gov
Website devoted to Disaster Response and Assistance