Full Notification

Fairfield, California (Friday January 11, 2019) -- Local meteorologists are forecasting a string of northern California storms from January 13 through 19.

In the event the National Weather Service issues flood warnings empty sandbags will be made available Mondays through Thursdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fairfield's Public Works Corporation Yard, 420 Gregory Street. There is a 10-bag limit. Sand will be available at two locations: the corner of Pittman and Cordelia Roads and the southeast corner of Allan Witt Park off Woolner Avenue. Bring your own shovels; these sandbagging locations are “self-serve.”

If water is pooling around a storm drain inlet and beginning to cause localized flooding, provided conditions are safe, residents may rake away leaves and debris from around drain inlets to allow free water flow. Public Works maintenance crews respond and triage flood calls. However, during heavy rains they may not be able to get to each location as quickly as desired.  

Here are some safety tips if rains persist, and localized flooding impacts you:
o Stay informed of weather conditions in your area
o Avoid unnecessary trips during stormy weather and advise others of your destination
o Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding
o Make sure to keep children and pets away from creeks, floodwaters, and storm drains
o If on foot, do not attempt to walk through floodwaters or flowing streams. Instead, turn around and go directly to higher ground. Even water as low as 6 inches deep may cause you to be swept away by strong currents.
o If in a car, drive away from flooded areas. Never try to take a shortcut through them. If your car stalls, immediately abandon it and climb to higher ground. 
o Do not “sightsee” in flooded areas. Do not try to enter areas blocked off by local authorities.
o If flooding is likely, and time permits, move valuable household possessions to the upper floors of your home or to safe ground.
o If emergency conditions arise, tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions from local authorities. 
o If advised by local authorities to leave your home, move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwaters. 
o Have emergency supplies on hand to last for at least three days. Food, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines and a battery-operated radio should be ready to go, and have extra batteries. 
o In flood-prone areas, keep sandbags, plastic sheeting, and other emergency building materials on hand for waterproofing.

To report localized flooding, please contact the Public Works Operations Division Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (707) 428-7407. On Fridays, weekends, and after hours report flooding to Police Dispatch at (707) 428-7300.