Preventative Measures:

• Sandbagging around your property can help divert water away from your structure.  Unfilled sandbags are available at all four Laguna Beach Fire Stations.  For Sandbags & Fill information:   http://www.lagunabeachcity.net/cityhall/pw/sb.asp. 
• Downtown business owners should use their floodgates in advance of an impending storm:  Example
• Business Owners should ensure that the alarm companies and police department have your most up to date contact information.
• In the event of a disaster, the City will attempt to contact all residents and business owners through the AlertOC system.  To register, go to alertoc.org.  (All listed telephone numbers are already logged into the system.)

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur.  If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.  Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly.  Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

• Secure your home.  If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture.  Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.  Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water.  Six inches of moving water can make you fall.  If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving.  Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas.  If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.  You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Driving Flood Facts:

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.

*Sources:  FEMA and State Farm Insurance