California Flood Preparedness Week, observed this year from October 18 through October 25, is here, and the City of Watsonville is taking essential steps to get ready for the rainy season. Flooding can happen in many ways, including heavy rains, poor drainage, or even nearby construction projects, so preparation is important for both the City and our residents.
How the City is Preparing
City crews have been working to strengthen our flood protection efforts ahead of the rainy season. This work includes keeping flood channels and storm drains clear of debris, increasing street sweeping to prepare roads for heavy rains, training staff to respond quickly in emergencies, and performing routine cleaning and maintenance of storm lines and pumps.
Know Your Flood Risk
Even if you do not live near a river or the coast, your property may still be at risk of flooding. Reviewing a FEMA flood map is one of the most reliable ways to check your risk. These maps show how your property relates to flood-prone areas and are updated regularly to help communities plan and prepare. You can view your flood risk online at bit.ly/4pawtn3.
Free Sandbag Stations
Sandbags are a quick and effective way to protect property from flooding. Watsonville has opened self-serve sandbag stations for the season to make preparation easier. Free sandbags are available to residents at the following locations:
- Joyce McKenzie Park, 500 Joyce Drive
- Fire Station 1, 115 2nd Street
Make sure to grab a friend, shovel, and gloves. Taking steps now can make a significant difference when the next storm arrives.
Stay Informed
During an emergency, timely information is critical. Santa Cruz County’s community alert and warning system, CruzAware, is designed to keep residents safe with alerts delivered by phone, email, and text message. Registration is quick and easy at cruzaware.org
Know Your Evacuation Zone
In some emergencies, residents may be asked to evacuate or prepare to leave quickly. Knowing your evacuation zone in advance can help you respond without delay.
To find your zone, visit protect.genasys.com and enter your address.
Stay Ready, Stay Safe
We encourage all residents to visit the City’s Emergency Preparedness page.
Here, you will find more details on how Watsonville prepares for storms, tips for keeping your family safe, instructions on filling and placing sandbags, guidance on signing up for emergency alerts, and information about flood zone areas.
Additional resources are also available to help ensure you and your family are prepared throughout the rainy season.