County Fire urges residents to be prepared for higher flood risks

Jan. 04--The San Bernardino County Fire Department is urging residents to be prepared for higher flood risks as storms continue to dump rain on areas burned by the Bluecut and Pilot fires.

While flooding is possible anywhere in San Bernardino County, residents living in burn scar areas need to be especially prepared for potential flooding, according to a Wednesday news release.

Normally, vegetation absorbs rain, but after a wildfire, the charred ground where that vegetation has been burned away cannot easily absorb rainwater, increasing the risk of flooding and mudflows for several years. Properties directly affected by fires and/or located downstream of burn areas are most at risk.

Post-fire landslide hazards include fast-moving, highly destructive debris flows. Post-fire debris flows are particularly hazardous because they can occur with little warning, can exert great impulsive loads on objects in their paths, can strip vegetation, block drainage ways, damage structures and endanger human life.

The best preparation for possible flooding is to plan ahead and County Fire encourages residents to use its Ready! Set! Go! flood preparation website at www.sbcfire.org/ReadySetGoFlood.aspx in order to help protect their home, property and family. It includes tips for how to prepare for wet weather, where to sign up for emergency alerts, locations that have sand and sandbags available and what should be included in an emergency kit.

Sandbags can best be used to help protect doorways if a waterproof layer like heavy plastic or waterproof canvas is placed behind them. If possible, tape it to the door frame. Stack the sandbags in a pyramid formation and wrap the plastic up and over the top. Keep in mind, sandbags do not guarantee a water-tight seal, but properly placed sandbags can help redirect water, mud and debris away from the home.

County officials are strongly encouraging residents to get flood insurance. Flood insurance is available on almost any enclosed building and farm. The contents of insurable buildings, including rental units, are also insurable. Flood insurance can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. It must be purchased at least 30 days before a flooding event.

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