California takes action to prepare for the upcoming wet season

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It's Flood Preparedness Week and to mark the occasion, the California Department of Water Resources Department (DWR) the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Central Valley Flood Protection Board gathered at the Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project in Sacramento.

State and federal agencies wanted to remind Californians to be prepared because this upcoming Winter season could be wet and dangerous.

DWR Director Karla Nemeth said, “Extreme drought and extreme flooding are both expected in the future, and California is responding with historic investments in projects that work with nature and collaborate with our Tribal, state, federal, and local partners to implement real solutions that protect communities.”

Many Californians are at risk of flooding but don't realize it, due to recent wildfires communities located on a downslope are prone to flash flooding and mud slides.

According to the report from the DWR, "To prepare for flooding, all Californians should follow three basic steps: know whether your home is downslope of a burn area or in a floodplain; pay attention to weather forecasts; listen to local authorities. Always have an emergency evacuation kit ready and subscribe to your local emergency providers to get updated information."

To find out if your community is at flood risk you can visit the CAL OES website