Rain Ready

Rain Ready (3)
Notice to Households within and around the 2020 Glass Fire Burn Scar Area
Properties located within and downstream of fire burn scar areas may be at a higher risk for flash floods, mudflows, and debris flows during periods of intense rainfall. Please refer to special information on how to prepare your property for the rainy season. Read More

Be Prepared:

The National Weather Service expects flash flooding and debris flows to become more likely during periods of intense rainfall. Be prepared by:

  • Identifying vulnerable areas on your property.
  • Using erosion control techniques, such as installing wattles and rock bags, and clearing fire-related debris from creeks and drainages to reduce flooding.
  • Have an evacuation and emergency plan ready.
  • Keep your cell phone turned on at all times to receive emergency alerts.
  • Pay attention to all emergency alerts and follow any directions provided.
  • Familiarize yourself with the potential hazards in affected post-fire burn areas. Post-Fire Hazard Assessment Map

Stay Informed:

  • Flood Forecast Hotline: (707) 526-4768
    • The Flood Forecast is a recording that provides updates on local river conditions. The recordings are updated by the Sonoma County Water Agency as conditions change.
  • Stream Maintenance: (707) 543-3800 or (707) 543-3805 After Hours
    • Report any stream related issues, such as debris or stream channel changes, to prevent localized flooding.
  • Sewage Emergency Hotline: (707) 543-4200 or (707) 543-3805 After Hours
    • Report any sewage spills, overflows or backed-up sewer lines.

Get Free Sand & Bags  (Available to Santa Rosa Residents)

The City’s sandbag filling station is open for residents throughout the rainy season. 

For City of Santa Rosa residents who need to control rain run-off on their property, sand and bags are available for free at the City Municipal Services Center North located at 55 Stony Point Road. The yard is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Materials are available throughout the entire rain season, not only during storm events. 

Residents must present an ID with a City of Santa Rosa address in order to drive into the Municipal Services Center Yard and access the sandbag filling station. Shovels are onsite to use for loading bags. Residents should plan to transport the sandbags in a vehicle they don't mind getting dirty. The sand has been stored outdoors so sandbags may be heavy and muddy to transport.


For questions, residents should contact:

  • Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (Friday until 4 pm): (707) 543-3800
  • Weekends, holidays and after-hours: (707) 543-3805

Protect community watershed from potential run-off of debris and pollutants:

  • Dispose of pet waste in a trash container.
  • Pick up leaf litter and yard clippings around your home.
  • Garden products, gas-powered garden equipment, or chemicals stored outside should be securely covered before it rains.
  • Minimize use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and avoid applying these chemicals if rain is in the forecast.
  • Fix all car leaks.
  • Use a commercial car wash, which recycles water and keeps soap out of the storm drain. If you wash your car at home, do it on a lawn and dispose bucket of soapy water in the sink.
  • Dispose motor oil, antifreeze, paint, paint thinner, batteries, and chemical cleaning products at a household hazardous waste collection facility.

And remember to turn down your irrigation system run times during the dry fall months, and turn your system off once the rains begin!

Erosion Control

Review Rain Ready Resources for Post-Fire Property Owners and Contractors:

Property owners and contractors are required to install and maintain erosion control measures on vacant lots (including sidewalk planters) and construction sites. These measures are called Best Management Practices (BMPs).  BMPs are used to keep sediment, debris, and other pollutants out of streets, gutters, and storm drains.  Selecting, implementing, and maintaining BMPs are critical to protecting our local creeks and wildlife.  Proper installation, periodic inspection, and maintenance are critical to keeping our storm water clean.

How to Safely Clean-up Ash After a Fire:

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