Disaster preparedness is about having an established safety plan. By the time a severe storm hits, the challenge of staying safe becomes much greater. Don't wait to prepare for future storms.
In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Airport Fire (Santa Ana Mountains area)
The Emergency Management Department is working with Riverside County Flood Control and other agencies to alert residents to the risk of post fire mud and debris flow.
10/25/2024 -- The Airport Fire Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) Report was released. This report highlights areas of concern, along with properties and infrastructure that may be at risk from increased water, mud or debris flow from burned hills. The report can be viewed here.
10/22/2024 -- Teams from Riverside County Flood Control and the Emergency Management Department went door-to-door to notify property owners identified as being at increased risk of mud/debris flows due to the recent fires. Community meetings are being planned for early November and dates will be posted here when they are confirmed.
Letter being delivered to identified properties at risk of post fire mud/debris flows. (Letter in Spanish)
Residents are encouraged to protect structures on their property with sandbags and other methods to divert water from entering structures and reduce erosion on your property. Visit RVCFire.org to see a list of local fire stations offering limited and unfilled sandbags and sand. Read the County's Flood Guide for Homeowners to learn about protecting your home and property. Sand is available in limited quantities at the Lakeland Village Fire Station (33020 Maiden Lane, Lake Elsinore) and the El Cariso Picnic Site (32405 CA Hwy 74, across from Fire Station 51).
Most homeowner's insurance does not cover floods or flows from natural disasters, such as those possible following a wildfire. Make sure your home is protected. Refer to the National Flood Insurance Program website. Most flood insurance policies take up to 30 days to go into effect
All Riverside County residents should sign up for Alert RivCo at RivCoReady.org/AlertRivCo and download the County’s Protect app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/genasys-protect/id1626884549)
For recovery information, please visit RivCoReady.org/Recovery.
Are You Near a Recent Fire Burn Scar
After wildfires, homes and communities near hillside burn scars may be at risk of increased runoff and mud/debris flows. Without vegetation, burned materials and soil may wash down hills and mountains and into homes and communities. In some cases, this increased runoff has the potential to exceed the capabilities of normal storm protections and drainages. Homes in and near canyons and valleys where the hills have recently burned may be at increased risk of being inundated with mud and debris or of being cut off due to flooded or damaged roadways. It is vital that residents take steps to prepare for storms early. It is also important to review your insurance coverages as most homeowners' policies do not cover flooding.
Below are resources for those living near recent burn scars.
- Post Wildfire Information (FEMA/NFIP)-English
- Post Wildfire Information (FEMA/NFIP)-Spanish
- After the Storm
- After the Fire Dos and Don'ts (USDA/NRCS)
- Flood Risks Increase After Fires
- El riesgo de inundación aumenta después de los incendios
- Homeowner's Guide for Flood Prevention and Response
- Understanding Mudflows and the NFIP
- Wildfire Recovery Assistance (USDA)
Safety Steps to Prepare
It is important to evaluate your risks and to take measures to protect your family and your home from potential flooding. The information below will also help you prepare for possible impacts from storms. We encourage residents to sign up for the Alert RivCo local alerting system and to follow all instructions from public safety officials. Failing to evacuate could cost your life or the life of your family.
Before the Storm
- Plan ahead for evacuations: know what you plan to take, ensure your vehicle's fuel tank is at least half full or half charged if you have an Electronic Vehicle. Determine if your home, business, schools or necessary travel routes are in at-risk areas
- Know all your local access roads and understand that some may be blocked by debris or water. Have an alternate route. Stay informed on road and highway conditions by visiting the Riverside County Transportation Department's website at rctlma.org/trans and Caltrans' website at quickmap.dot.ca.gov
- Flood insurance: Most homeowners insurance does not cover floods or flows from natural disasters. Make sure your home is protected. Refer to the National Flood Insurance Program website. Most flood insurance policies take up to 30 days to go into effect
- Have an emergency plan and a disaster kit ready to go. For more information, click here
- Storms can cause power outages. Keep battery-powered devices charged (including Electric Vehicles) and have a plan to keep them charged. If driving at night, during a storm, be cautious as streetlights and traffic signals may not be working
- Learn the plan for your local school. Parents of school age children should contact their school district or visit their websites to learn what steps the district will take to ensure student safety. This may include school closures and evacuations
As the Storm Approaches
- Follow all orders by public safety officials
- Sign up for emergency alerts
- Leave before any debris flows begin. Debris flows are fast-moving, deadly landslides. If debris mud or water are already flowing, get higher than the flow, by moving to the highest floor in your home
- Heed all evacuations. Evacuations warnings will be issued for at-risk areas 24-48 hours before an expected storm. As stated above, the safest time to leave is before any flow begins. Evacuation orders will be issued 6-12 hours before the storm
- Monitor official weather reports and heed weather alerts. Understand that the weather where you are can be different than back in the mountains where the flows start
- Protect your property structures with sandbags and other methods to divert water from entering structures and reduce erosion on your property. Visit RVCFire.org to see a list of local fire stations offering limited and unfilled sandbags and sand. Read the County's Flood Guide for Homeowners to learn about protecting your home and property. Learn tips for filling and placing sandbags here.
During a Storm
- Never drive or walk into flood waters, mud or debris, and never go around barricades. It is impossible to know how deep the water or mud is just by looking at it, and the depth can change quickly. Remember, Turn Around, Don't Drown
- If you are unable to evacuate the area, it may be safer to shelter in place. If you feel your life is in danger, call 9-1-1
- Monitor official sources for information, such as law enforcement, fire department or emergency management officials
After the Storm
- Report any damages to your insurance company
- Clear gutters, drainages and culverts to prepare for future storms
- Note problem areas on your property and evaluate the need for sandbags or other mitigation