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Flood Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness

Floods can be dangerous and reclaiming land that is threatened by flooding is a great way to combat potential catastrophic flooding events. In this process, the land is reclaimed by removing or preventing water from returning to normally dry land via systems of levees, dikes, drainage ditches, and pumps.

  • To prevent flooding, we pump rainfall and agricultural water from the Natomas Basin through our canals and into the river. There are eight pumping stations throughout our District.
  • Through visual inspection, we ensure levees are safe. We look for levee changes, levee boils, water seepage, and waterside levee encroachments.
  • Our canals are inspected for artificial and natural blockages, like large trash items and beaver dams. We make levee repairs when they are needed.
  • Every year the District mows miles and miles of levee and interior drainage areas throughout our District to maintain our system and help prevent fire hazards.
  • We use goats and sheep to help control weeds.
  • Cleaning and maintaining the canals that carry water throughout our District is also very important.
  • Oversight of various permitting processes for any levee construction activities.

You can stay safe during a flood event by preparing in advance 

  • Create a plan with your family During a flood, avoid the water by going to higher ground – outside of your home. Plan a route, so you know where to go. Know who to contact if you become separated from your family.
  • Prepare a Flood Emergency Kit Gather necessary items like a first aid kit, non-perishable food to last several days, a can-opener, water, radio, and extra batteries, flashlight, medications, copies of important documents cash, sanitizer, personal hygiene items, extra clothing and blankets, pet food and supplies, emergency phone numbers, cell phone, and chargers.
  • Sign up for public flood safety alerts There are a variety of ways to stay informed during a potential flood event. Subscribe to news updates and social media alerts from the National Weather Service, your City, County, and State water authorities. Signing up to receive local media news alerts is another way to keep informed.