Southern California is known for having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters offering ideal conditions for outdoor living. Even so, it still experiences periods of heavy rain during the “rainy season” (winter months of December through March).

While heavy winter storms are rare in our area, the City of Costa Mesa encourages all residents to BE STORM READY.

KNOW the flooding potential around your home and in the areas you travel.

Click HERE for more details.

USE CAUTION when driving during periods of heavy rain.

NEVER drive around barricades.

DO NOT walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

STAY inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.

Preparing for a Flood
Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

In Case of Emergency
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery if it makes sense for your property.

Visit Ready.gov for more flood safety information.