Winter Weather Preparedness

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Preparing for Winter in SLO

A blue icon of a blue rain cloud As winter approaches, it's important for all residents in San Luis Obispo to be prepared for potential storms, flooding, and other seasonal weather challenges. The City is committed to helping the community stay safe by providing key resources, including a detailed flood zone map, information on storm preparation, and guidance on sandbag distribution. Taking steps now to be ready can protect your property and loved ones when heavy rains arrive.

Please browse our page for helpful winter preparedness tips and resources. If you have any questions once you've read through our resources, you can always call us at 781-RAIN.

Sandbag Information

Where to buy sand bags

Home Depot
1551 Froom Ranch Way, SLO
(805) 596-0857
Central Coast Landscape Products
445 Prado Road, SLO
(805) 595-3478
Farm Supply Co.
224 Tank Farm, SLO
(805) 543-3751
Miner's Hardware
2034 Santa Barbara, SLO
(805) 543-2191
Tractor Supply Co.
120 Tank Farm Rd, SLO
(805) 595-1055

Where to fill sand bags

City Corporation Yard parking lot
25 Prado Road
Laguna Lake Golf Course parking lot
11175 Los Osos Valley Road
Santa Rosa Park parking lot
190 Santa Rosa Street
Sinsheimer Park parking lot
900 Southwood Drive

Sand will be deposited at the locations listed below only in anticipation of a forecasted, significant rain event (2-3+ inches)

Location Map

Click map for larger image.

How to Prepare for a Flood

Before a flood

Know the types of flood risk for your area. Review the City’s interactive Flood Prep Map online to determine if your location is at risk.
Find out if you have flood insurance. Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover damages incurred by flooding. Anyone can carry flood insurance; it is not limited to those properties in designated flood zones. Coverage is available for the building itself as well as for the contents of the building. The City of San Luis Obispo participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that makes available federally backed flood insurance for all structures, whether or not they are located within the floodplain. Note that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. More than 25 percent of NFIP claims are filed by properties located outside the 100-year floodplain, also known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Contact your insurance agency for more information.
Make a Plan. Get step-by-step instructions for making a plan for your family if a disaster strikes at www.ready.gov/plan.
Protect your property.
- Various methods may be used to minimize flooding. If the floor level of your property is lower than the “Base Flood Elevation” (elevation of the 100-year flood, based on the FEMA maps), consider elevating your structure, if possible. If a flood is imminent, property can be protected by sandbagging areas subject to the entry of water into living spaces. Valuables and furniture may also be moved to higher areas of the dwelling to minimize damages. The City of San Luis Obispo will make site visits to provide one-on-one advice to a property owner regarding flooding and drainage issues on private property. We also have site specific information for some parcels within San Luis Obispo. For more information, please contact Public Works Development Review at (805) 781-7015.
- Clean gutters and pipes. The City of San Luis Obispo performs cleaning and maintenance activities on the drainage channels and pipes in City easements & rights-of-way in accordance with an established schedule and other standard operating procedures. Residents are encouraged to assist in maintaining the drainage in their areas by removing or reporting obstructions (such as shopping carts, leaves, debris, trash, etc.). Keeping drainage channels free of obstructions reduces flooding in the event of heavy rains. By way of City ordinance, it is illegal to dump trash, leaves, landscape debris, paint, grease, or any other material into any portion of the City’s drainage system. Such dumping can have devastating impacts on water quality in addition to causing flooding. To report obstructions or illegal dumping, or for questions regarding drainage system maintenance, please contact the Community Development Department at (805) 781-7180, or call (805) 783-7876 after hours.
- Meet improvement requirements. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of reconstruction, additions, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building. Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards. For example, a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation. Please contact Public Works Development Review at (805) 781-7015 for more information.
- Meet permitting requirements. All development within the City requires a permit. Always check and fulfill permitting requirements with the Building Division at (805) 781-7180 and/or the Public Works Development Review Division at (805) 781-7015 before you build on, alter, fill, or re-grade on any portion of your property and/or within any easement or right-of-way. Also, contact either of the numbers above to report any suspected permitting violations.
Learn and practice evacuation routes. If flooding occurs, some main roadways may be closed or inaccessible. Practice alternate evacuation routes with your family in case a main roadway in San Luis Obispo is closed.
Build an emergency kit. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, a battery-operated radio, cleaning supplies, and water that can last for several days in case you must leave due to flooding.
Get the latest information. Follow the City of SLO on social media and subscribe to City News via email to get important updates about the storm, including flood advisories and flash flood warnings.

During a flood

If your property is in imminent danger of flooding, please contact PG&E at (800) 743-5000 to request that your power natural gas be shut off, or for guidance on how to do it yourself. This number may also be contacted regarding any other electrical or natural gas emergencies. If you see downed power lines, stay away! The second leading cause of death in floods is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report any downed power lines to PG&E (800) 743-5000 or the City Police Department at 781-7317.

Stay informed and tune in for flood warnings. “For the next 60 seconds, this station will conduct a test of the Emergency Broadcast System…” In coordination with the local Office of Emergency Services, the County of San Luis Obispo and the National Weather Service issue emergency flood warnings through the local radio and television stations. During severe weather, the city will provide information on Government Channel 20.

Be cautious when traveling. If dangerous flooding conditions are imminent, avoid driving a vehicle if possible. Do not attempt to drive or wade through deep pockets of water or running washes. Unstable banks should be avoided. Be extra aware of your surroundings and possible hazards. Pay special attention to road conditions. Note the amount of water flowing in or across flooded streets and under or over bridges. Do not attempt to cross flooded streets. Avoid problem areas and always plan an alternate route, if possible, before you leave your home or business. Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you should reach your destination. Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can cause you to lose your footing.

Do not drive through flooded areas and avoid low-lying areas. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Only two feet of water can sweep away an automobile. The moral? Do not drive through a flooded area. Do not drive around road barricades; the road or bridge may be washed out or unstable, or may be subject to swift currents. Seek shelter in the highest areas possible.

After a flood

Tune in to social media or your local news for emergency instructions.
Avoid driving if possible.
Follow established procedures for property damage repairs:
- Select a contractor licensed in his or her trade. The City of San Luis Obispo requires contractors to be licensed and to have a current City of San Luis Obispo Business License. Only licensed electricians may perform electrical work, only licensed plumbers may perform plumbing work, only licensed gas contractors may work on a gas system, only licensed mechanical contractors may perform heating, ventilation and air conditioning work, and only licensed building contractors may perform building related work. Verify that contractors are licensed before signing or agreeing to any repair contracts.
- Verify certification of liability and workman’s compensation insurance. Complaints against licensed contractors may be referred to the appropriate licensing agency.
- Require your contractors to obtain the proper permits for work being performed. Permits are required for any permanent improvement (including painting, roofing, siding, additions, alterations, etc.) to a structure and for site work such as grading, filling, etc. Permits are required even if homeowners are doing the work themselves. Questions about permits or contractor licensing may be addressed to the City of San Luis Obispo Building Division at (805) 781-7180. Any job requiring work or construction staging in the public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks, easements, or access to public utilities) requires a separate encroachment permit. Encroachment permits can be issued to a licensed contractor or the homeowner (in some cases). Encroachment permit requirements for contractors include: a current City business license, a current contractors state license, a liability certificate with the City of San Luis Obispo named as additionally insured per an attached CG 2012 endorsement, a traffic and pedestrian control plan, and permit fees. For questions about encroachment permits, please contact Public Works Development Review at (805) 781-7015.

Flood Map

Click below to access the SLO City Flood Map

Select what information you're interested in from the "Layers" drop down menu, then type in address or use mouse wheel to zoom in to desired location.

Learn Flood Terminology

The National Weather Service issues flood alerts using specific terms. The terms tell you what action, if any, you should take.

Flood Advisory: Be aware. Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience and, if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood Watch: Be prepared. Keep an eye out for flooding and be prepared to move away from the area. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but flooding is possible.
Flood Warning: Take action! If you are in a flood prone area, move away. Flood Warnings are issued when the weather event or flooding is about to occur or is possible.
Flash Flood Warning: Take action! A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take minutes to hours to develop. If you are in a flood prone area, move to high ground at once. A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

Resources

American Red Cross

Current Weather Data (SLO County)

Emergency Operations Plan

FEMA.gov

Floodsmart.gov

Flood Insurance (Letter regarding the National Flood Insurance Program)

Historic Flood Photos

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

PrepareSLO.org: Storms and Floods

Ready.gov: Winter Weather

Ready.gov: Floods

San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

SLO County Rain and Stream Flow Data

Stream Management and Maintenance

The National Weather Service

The Weather Channel: Safety and Preparedness

Important Documents

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Zone Documentation:

FEMA Map Service Center
Search by address, place or coordinates
FEMA Flood Insurance Study
SLO County Flood Profiles, 2012
FEMA
General Info

FEMA Flood Zone Documents

FEMA Map Service Center(Search FEMA map/"FIRM" by address)

FEMA Flood Insurance Study- Flood Profiles, November 16, 2012

Flood Brochure

Letter for property owners in a FEMA flood zone

Letter for realtors, flood service notice

Letter for repetitive loss area properties (see map link below)

Map for Mid-Higuera repetitive loss area properties

FEMA Map Service Center (Search FEMA map/"FIRM" by address)

FEMA Elevation Certificate Form (Word document) and instructions PDF

FEMA Floodproofing Certificate Form

FEMA Fact Sheet on Program Changes and Flood Insurance Premiums

FAQ Box

What should I do if my property falls within a flood zone?
There are many things you can do ahead of a storm to prepare your home in case of a flood.
- Learn about flood insurance. Since homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods, talk to your insurance agent about flood insurance. You can also call the National Flood Insurance Program at (888) Call-Flood.
- Investigate if there is a creek or drainage way near your property. Has it flooded in the past? How much rain causes it to overflow? During wet weather, keep a watch on the rising water. Report any potential problems to the folks at 781-7220 (City Corporation Yard).
- Clean out the gunk from drainage ways located near your property. Report fallen trees and broken drains at www.slocity.org/Ask, so we can get out there and make repairs before the rainy season begins.
My property isn't in a flood zone, but I still want to get ready. What can I do?
Everyone should have emergency supplies on hand and follow safety guidelines.

Store supplies such as these at home, at work and in your car:
- First aid kit and prescription medicines and/or insulin
- Food (canned, dried or food that doesn't need to be refrigerated), plus food for those with special diets; pet food
- Non-electric can opener
- Drinking water - plan on one gallon of water per person per day for three days, minimum.
- Portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries (candles are not recommended, because you never know when you might be in an environment where there is a flammable agent nearby)
- Cash and credit cards
Also, always keep your car fueled. Know safe routes - by car and by foot - from your office or home to high, safe ground.

Keep lumber, sandbags, plywood, and plastic sheeting handy for emergency waterproofing.
What about my kids? What can I do to protect them?

Remember the rule: Children and children first. And more importantly, as soon as they're old enough, teach them how - and when - to call 9-1-1 and which radio station they should listen to for emergency information.

Also, develop an emergency communication plan, in case your family gets separated during a flood emergency. Make a plan for how to get back together. Here's an easy way to make the whole thing work: Ask an out-of-state (or just out-of-the-area) relative to be the contact person. Make sure everyone in the family knows their name, address and phone number!
How can I help my pets safe during a storm?

Aside from getting your dog swimming lessons, there are many ways you can protect your pets should winter weather threaten their safety. First, put identification tags on all your pets (cats, too). If a storm threatens, don't leave pets outside or tied on a leash. Bring them inside, and have a stack of newspapers handy for sanitary purposes.

If you are not going to stay in your home during a storm, arrange to leave your pets with your veterinarian or your friends, or leave them loose inside your home. Provide them with plenty of food and water. Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink, if necessary.
What do I need to know about sandbags?
Sandbags can push flowing water around your property rather than through it.

Here are a few tips for using sandbags:
- Fill bags only half full.
- Fold over the empty top of the bag to prevent sand from leaking out.
- Place each bag over the folded top of the preceding bag and stamp each bag into place before placing the next bag.
- Always finish one complete layer of sandbags before starting the next layer.
- Stagger the second layer of bags, stamping each bag into place before placing on the next bag.
Remember, sandbags have absolutely no effect - or very little, at least - on standing water. And, unfortunately, they can't be prepared ahead of time because they'll rot.

Allow plenty of time to fill them, which you'll be doing right before or during a storm. Grab those neighbors and cash in a few favors. (Some advice: Return their rakes and saws and other stuff you've borrowed before you ask for their help.)

Before heavy storms, sandbags can be filled at four locations within the city. Sand is deposited at these locations only in anticipation of a forecasted, significant rain event i.e. 2-3 inches rainfall.
Are planks helpful for flood protection?

Besides making great forts, planks, and railroad ties can help change the direction of flowing water as effectively as sandbags – and in most cases even better than sandbags.

Planks and railroad ties can be prepared in advance and stored as long as needed. They are easily and quickly installed and dismantled by one person. No need to call the neighbors on this one.

When setting the stakes, be sure they are firmly driven into the ground. Nail the planks and railroad ties to the stakes.

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