PREPARE FOR
STORM AND FLOODING SEASON
2023/2024
For your safety, the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District urges all residents to review flooding and winter storm resources, and prepare themselves and their property from the possibility of wind and water damage this upcoming winter season.
In Stinson Beach flooding is most often caused when wind, rain, high tide, and storm surge all happen at the same time.
What actions can you take to prepare and/or stay safe?
Before the storm
Secure outdoor objects that could be blown over by wind (e.g, patio furniture, sports equipment, trash cans, pop-up canopies)
Rake leaves and other yard debris and place in green bin (to keep out of gutters and storm drains)
Make sure your emergency kit is up-to-date: have a flashlight, radio and spare batteries handy if the power goes out.
Protect homes and businesses in low-lying flood-prone areas by making sandbags.
Boats, Kayaks and surfboards should be secured in the event of severe wind and seas.
Sign up to receive AlertMarin emergency calls, text message or email alerts.
Discuss with your employer about – where possible -- a work from home option during the storm, especially if you live in a low-lying area where roadways flood and can keep you from returning home.
Visit Emergency.MarinCounty.org for additional resources for preparing for a storm.
During the storm
Avoid unnecessary travel. Strong winds and wet roads make travel risky, and possible flooding may prevent you from returning home. Staying home is the safest option until the storm passes. If its an emergency, allow emergency responders to come to you.
Use extra caution when driving. If you MUST leave your home, drive carefully: slow down, keep both hands on the steering wheel, turn on headlights, allow extra space between vehicles, and watch for downed tree branches, trees, and powerlines. Allow extra time in case of detours away from flooded roadways.
Do not walk or drive around barricades or through standing water. Turn around, do not drown. If it’s an emergency, allow emergency responders to come to you.
Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume a fallen power line is live and do not touch it with your hand or other object. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report the fallen lines.
Monitor Emergency.MarinCounty.org for the most up-to-date weather and emergency information.
Power Outages/Downed Power Lines
Residents are advised of possible downed trees and power lines. Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1 and PGE at 1-800-743-5002. Stay away from the downed power lines and assume they are energized and dangerous.
Check to make sure you have batteries, fully charged back-up battery packs for your devices, and a battery powered radio.
Recharge your laptop computer, cell phone, and other mobile devices as a precaution against a power outage.
Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member.
Freeze water bottles or bags of water for food storage if the power goes out.
Have enough nonperishable food and water.
Make sure you can open your garage door if the power goes out.
If the power goes out:
Do not call 9-1-1 unless you are having a life-threatening emergency.
Call (800) 743-5002 or check the PG&E Outage Map for updates.
Monitor local news for information and updates - Radio station KWMR in Pt. Reyes is a good source of information local to West Marin. Call letters are 90.5 fm, 89.9 fm, and 93.3 fm.
If you see a downed power line call 911 immediately. For more safety information about downed power lines visit PG&E's website.
Traffic & Road Closures
Flooding or fallen trees may cause traffic back-ups and road closures. You can check the Marin Emergency Portal Emergency.MarinCounty.org and be sure you are signed up for both Alert Marin and Nixel. To sign up for Nixle, send a text message to 888-777 and enter your Zip Code as the message.
Drive with Caution:
When driving in the rain, use extra caution and always have your headlights on. Remember, if you turn on your windshield wipers, turn on your headlights.
Please obey the speed limits and follow other traffic at a safe distance.
If traffic signals are out or flashing red, come to a full stop at every intersection, and proceed as you would at a four-way stop.
Stock up on Sandbags
We urge residents to take preparedness measures by seeking sand and sandbags should they need them.
Sand and bags are available at the Fire Station Annex located at 100 Calle del Arroyo.
To use this sandbag filling station, you must supply your own labor, shovels and support.
Mudslides
Please also be aware that precipitation can increase the potential for mudslides on steeper terrain. If you see significant runoff on a slope that is not typically used for drainage, it could be due to a blockage or diversion of water from its regular course somewhere upstream. Please report these instances to Public Works. If you feel that the situation constitutes an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Tides
High tides, combined with high run-off sometimes leads to flooding. Please click here for High Tide information.