The following frequently asked questions are relevant to those residents living in Burn Areas that may be susceptible to mud flows during heavy rains.
Information and Alerts
How will I get official information?
How can I get emergency alerts relating to possible flood/debris flows?
Evacuations
How does Unified Command determine if an evacuation order is necessary?
Who is responsible for issuing evacuation orders?
Why do I have to evacuate, but my neighbors don’t?
Do I have to evacuate every time it rains?
How do I know an evacuation order has been issued?
How long do the evacuation orders last?
Where do I evacuate?
How do I find out when an evacuation order has been lifted?
Special Needs and Requests
Can I have pets at the Evacuation Center?
What if I or my neighbors have physical limitations that make leaving difficult?
How can I obtain proof of evacuation orders for my insurance company?
Safety Notes:
I’ve been contacted by a reporter who has offered to check on my home while I’m evacuated, is it safe to give them my information?
What if I see something that I believe the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station should know?
Parking & Access Restrictions
Can I go back to my home to retrieve items I may have forgotten?
Mitigation Measures
Will the City assist me in protecting my home from flood/debris flow?
Do I need sandbags?
Where can I buy sandbags?
What if I don’t have a flood insurance policy?
What should I do with important documents?
Why are the K-rails being used and when will they be removed?
After the Storm
My home was damaged or lost; what do I need to rebuild?
Miscellaneous Questions
If I have a question who can I ask?
Information & Alerts
How will I get official information?
Residents of the City of Santa Clarita and those in neighboring communities can subscribe to receive emergency notifications via email or text message by filling out an online form or by texting SCEMERGENCY to 888777.
Get Prepared
- Sign up to receive emergency alerts.
- Discuss evacuation procedures with family members; have a family plan in place. See below for more information on evacuations.
- Review the FAQs thoroughly
- Download and print the Rain Emergency Contact List PDF
- Sign up for mudflow/debris forecasts email notifications.
Updates from the City can be found at the following online resources:
How can I get emergency alerts relating to possible flood/debris flows?
- We are strongly urging all individuals to sign up to receive emergency alerts through Santa Clarita Nixle (text SCEMERGENCY to 888777).
- You may also sign up for Debris and Mudflow Forecasts by email from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
Please understand that weather forecasts are not absolute predictions of rain due to the foothills and other meteorological conditions in and around the Santa Clarita area, so you still need to monitor your surroundings.
Flooding/debris flows happen very quickly and public safety personnel may not have time to physically alert you to evacuation orders. Signing up for alerts will afford you additional time to get yourself and loved ones to safety.
Evacuations
How does Unified Command determine if an evacuation order is necessary?
An evacuation order will be issued if Unified Command believes there is risk for a mud and debris flow that will put lives in danger. Several variables are carefully evaluated before an evacuation order is implemented.
Who is responsible for issuing evacuation orders?
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will issue evacuation orders and notify residents once evacuations have been ordered.
Why do I have to evacuate, but my neighbors don’t?
Flood and debris flow patterns are analyzed based on the threat to individual properties and the storm. You may be asked to evacuate because the risk to your property is higher. Engineering reports provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and City of Santa Clarita Public Works, provide critical data that determines the risk based upon your homes vulnerability to slope exposure, steepness, drainage patterns and more. Depending upon your home’s location and these variables, the risk to your home and your neighbor’s home may differ.
Do I have to evacuate every time it rains?
No, evacuation orders are not issued every time it rains. Unified Command analyzes each incident separately and the risk factors to determine if an evacuation order is required.
How do I know an evacuation order has been issued?
There are numerous ways you can find out if an evacuation has been ordered for your area.
- Sign up for Santa Clarita Nixle Alerts to receive free real-time emergency alerts by cell phone and/or email. Simply text SCEMERGENCY or your zip code to 888777.
- Visit Protect.Genasys.com to identify your zone and familiarize yourself with nearby evacuation routes. Residents should also sign up for emergency notifications through Genasys Protect, Los Angeles County’s official evacuation and emergency information platform, and Nixle by texting SCEMERGENCY to 888777.
- Evacuation information will also be shared on this website, our Santa Clarita Emergency Updates Blog at SantaClaritaEmergency.com and on City social media sites @CityofSantaClarita on Facebook and Instagram, and en Español @CiudaddeSantaClarita on Facebook and Instagram.
- Reverse emergency 911 calls may sometimes be made on your land line phone with a pre-recorded message.
- Don’t forget to tune into your local news for additional updates (KHTS AM1220, The Signal, SCV News).
- If time permits, law enforcement personnel may attempt to go to each affected home and notify occupants in the event that evacuations are being ordered.
How long do the evacuation orders last?
How long an evacuation order will last depends on the severity of the situation our first responders are dealing with. It is the goal of the Unified Command to allow residents to return to their homes as soon as possible, as long as it is safe to re-enter and does not impair responders who are trying their best to protect lives and property in the impact area. We understand evacuations are inconvenient and sometimes uncomfortable, however please remember our main goal is to protect lives and property. By following these requests, you are helping us protect your loved ones and property.
Where do I evacuate?
As part of your emergency family plan, please decide on a predetermined place (s) to evacuate to, such as a family member or friend’s residence or a hotel. During an evacuation order, a shelter site will be designated for residents who do not have a predetermined evacuation place established.
How do I find out when an evacuation order has been lifted?
You will be notified that an evacuation has been lifted through the same emergency communication channels, such as Santa Clarita Nixle Alerts (sign up by texting SCEMERGENCY to 888777), Genasys Protect and messaging on our Santa Clarita City Emergency Updates blog and on City social media sites @CityofSantaClarita on Facebook and Instagram, and en Español @CiudaddeSantaClarita on Facebook and Instagram.
Special Needs and Requests
Can I have pets at the Evacuation Center?
We understand the importance that our pets play in our lives. Only service animals are allowed to be at the evacuation center/shelter site. Residents should make arrangements in advance to have their pets sheltered with friends, relatives or even at a local kennel outside the evacuation area. Have your pet(s) emergency supplies, vaccination documentation, medications if required and carrier ready. The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control will work to assist in sheltering your household pets, if you are unable to arrange a shelter location.
What if I or my neighbors have physical limitations that make leaving difficult?
If you need special assistance to evacuate, contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s station at (661) 255-1121. Additional needs will be coordinated between the Sheriff and the City of Santa Clarita’s Emergency Operations Center.
How can I obtain proof of evacuation orders for my insurance company?
Contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department; they will provide you with appropriate documentation.
Safety Notes
I’ve been contacted by a reporter who has offered to check on my home while I’m evacuated, is it safe to give them my information?
Do not provide your address to a stranger. Scammers have been known to use social media to ask evacuee’s for their address as a ploy to steal things from their home. For resources on how to let your family know you are safe, visit the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
What if I see something that I believe the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station should know?
If it is an emergency – immediate danger to persons or property – call 911. If it is not an emergency, call the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 255-1121.
Parking & Access Restrictions
During periods of heavy rainfall, vehicles parked on certain streets may create safety hazards and interfere with emergency response and storm-related operations. Vehicles are easily swept downhill by debris and mudflows, cause significant threat to property and lives, restrict access by first responders and prevent heavy equipment from clearing the streets during and after rain events.
Law enforcement agencies are authorized to tow vehicles found to be parked on City streets within designated Burn Areas during periods of heavy rainfall. While it is not our goal to tow cars, police will determine if the vehicles are impeding first responders, are a threat to life or property and/are impeding mitigation measures meant to protect property.
Can I go back to my home to retrieve items I may have forgotten?
If an evacuation order or other access restriction is in place, do not return to your home or enter the affected area unless authorized by law enforcement or emergency personnel. Access restrictions may be necessary to keep residents safe and ensure that first responders can carry out critical emergency operations.
In some situations, limited access may be allowed for residents with proof of residency or authorized individuals, depending on conditions and direction from law enforcement officials. However, access restrictions may change quickly as conditions worsen.
If an evacuation order is issued, the affected area may be closed to public access. Do not return until law enforcement or emergency officials have determined it is safe and the area has been reopened.
While every effort will be made to limit the inconveniences caused by the various alerts, they are in place so that public safety responders can protect lives and property to the best of their ability. It is important for residents to have their important documents either stored in the highest point in the home; offsite or be able to quickly take with them. Residents are strongly encouraged to view the LA County Fire Department link to Ready! Set! Go!
Mitigation Measures
Will the City assist me in protecting my home from flood/debris flow?
Generally, by law, government entities are limited in what they can do on private property. We can provide advice on public safety issues and inspect for compliance.
With our advice or that of a licensed engineer, residents can consider sandbags, installing diversion structures and other structure protection devices. Remember, you cannot divert water or debris from your property into another property under State law. You also cannot undertake work on another person’s property without their permission or consent.
Sandbags are available at fire stations. We can either offer guidance on where to place the sandbags, or you can ask a licensed civil engineer to do so.
If you wish to arrange for an inspection or visit by a city engineer, please call the City of Santa Clarita Building & Safety Division at (661) 255-4935.
Do I need sandbags?
If you are in an area that may be impacted by mudflows down slope from fire burn areas, keep sandbags, plywood, sheeting and lumber available for waterproofing.
Where can I buy sandbags?
In addition to the free sandbags offered by the Fire Station, sandbags can be purchased at your local Lowes and Home Depot store.
What if I don’t have a flood insurance policy?
If you don’t have a flood insurance policy, contact your insurance agent. If you have purchased a policy, review your policy with your agent and ask questions to make sure you have the proper amount of coverage.
What should I do with important documents?
Copy important documents (mortgage papers, deed, passport, bank information, etc.). Keep copies in your home, and have a backup for the documentation on a CD, flash drive, with an online service, and or keep hard copies in a safe deposit box.
Take photos of your possessions (furniture, antiques and collectibles, musical instruments, electronic equipment, etc.). Store copies with your other important documents.
Why are K-rails being used and when will they be removed?
The concrete structures that are commonly used around construction on freeways or other busy streets to protect workers and property could be placed in strategic areas to help keep flooding/debris flows away from property and direct it to a safer drainage point. This is a key part in our preparedness effort.
According to local and regional experts, designated burn areas have a potential risk for flooding/debris flow. K-rails could be used as long as our community remains in the high-risk period so that we can best fulfill our single goal of protecting life and property.
We understand that they are not aesthetically appealing and we will work to keep them free of graffiti and other markings during the time they are being used. If you notice graffiti or other markings on them, please call (661) 294-2565, or Report Graffiti Through eService.
After the Storm
City officials recommend you conduct an outside perimeter check of your residence prior to entering, be sure doors/windows are free of mud/debris prior to entering. Watch your step outside. Be aware of possible sinkholes that are hard to see in your yard or obstructions such as sprinkler heads or fencing that may be covered over with mud/debris. Be cautious when driving into/out of the Impact Area. You do not want to drive over mud/rocks that may damage your vehicle.
My home was damaged or lost; what do I need to rebuild?
We are sorry that you have experienced such loss. We want to assure you that we will work to expedite your permitting process. It is important to note that you may be subject to different building codes by the State. Building codes are updated every few years by the State based on standards that have been tested to improve safety and protection. Many of the experiences from disasters like the Calgrove Fire and Sand Fire are included in the process of changing and modifying codes so that structures and occupants are better protected at any given time.
Under current codes almost any work on a structure or piece of property requires a permit. The permit process allows the local agency to determine if the plans meet the State’s standards and whether the work being done in the field is following the approved plans. It is important that all work is done by a licensed professional; otherwise the work being done has a high chance of not meeting standards and thus will not be accepted. We do not want you to become a victim again.
We offer the opportunity to meet with you and/or your representatives to help explain the process and follow through that will be needed. We understand that your home is very special to you and your family; we want it to be safe, meeting all regulations so that you can move back to normalcy as quickly as possible. Santa Clarita residents can call the Santa Clarita Building & Safety Division at (661) 255-4935 to ask for an appointment in person.
We highly recommend the following:
- Only hire licensed individuals. You can verify their license with the Contractors State License Board.
- Do not let people into your home that report to be soliciting business. You should only allow people that you have called to look at the situation.
- Do not give money in advance of a project being started. A reputable contractor should not need money up front. In no case should you be asked to front more than 10% of the contract. Contractors will ask for money along the way, but it is usually after they have accomplished certain stages of work.
- A licensed contractor will have insurance and bonds to protect you in the event of an accident or inability to complete the project.
- Obtain reference checks on anyone you hire – we recommend at least three references.
- If a contractor says they can do the work without permit, do not let them. You could be fined the work disallowed and have to pay substantially more in order to fix it to code standards.
If you have questions, please call the Santa Clarita Building & Safety Division at (661) 255-4935.
Miscellaneous Questions
If I have a question who can I ask?
If you have any questions concerning heavy rain preparedness, you are invited to call the City of Santa Clarita at (661) 259-2489.
