Winter storms in California can be deadly, causing widespread flooding, flash floods, high coastal surf, mudslides, snowstorms and avalanches. Wherever you live or travel, you should be aware of and prepared to cope with the dangers of winter storms.

City of Pacifica Sandbag Locations

Council Chambers
2212 Beach Blvd

Linda Mar Fire Station
1100 Linda Mar Blvd

Hours of Operation
Available 24/7

Each resident may pick up a maximum of 15 sandbags. Residents may be required to fill the sandbags themselves with sand provided by the city.

The National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The NFIP provides flood insurance to property owners, renters and businesses, and having this coverage helps them recover faster when floodwaters recede. The NFIP works with communities required to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that help mitigate flooding effects.

For more information, visit the NFIP website.

Before the Storm

• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
• Check you homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for appropriate coverage.
• Store emergency supplies at home, work and in your cars.
• Keep emergency cash on hand in small denominations (ATMs and credit card authorization terminals will not work with the power off).
• Plan safe routes from your home or office to high/safe ground.
• Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and other emergency building materials handy for waterproofing.
• Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines, and secure loose items and outdoor furniture. For more tips visit the NWS site https://www.weather.gov/safety/wind-before

During the Storm

• Avoid areas that are subject to flooding or earth movement.
• Drive at slower speeds and leave more distance between cars.
• Never try to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees - even water 6 inches deep may cause you to be swept away by strong currents.
• Avoid coastal areas in high surf - injuries/death have occurred from high surf.
• Do not drive over flooded roadways - you can be stranded and trapped.
• Move valuable household possessions to upper floors or onto the top of tables.
• Avoid unnecessary trips outside - if you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose clothing.
• Use the telephone only for emergencies or to report dangerous conditions.
• Tune to local radio/TV stations for emergency information and instruction.
• If advised by local authorities to evacuate, move as quickly as possible to safe areas before access is cut off. Notify authorities of your destination if possible. Establish an out-of-state contact so that friends and relatives will know who to call to get information about your whereabouts.
• Before leaving, disconnect all electrical appliances and, if advised by local utilities, shut off electric circuits at the fuse panel and disconnect gas service.

After the Storm

• Do not turn gas back on yourself - rely on utility crews.
• Do not use fresh foods or canned goods that have contacted flood waters.
• Follow local instructions regarding the safety of drinking water - if in doubt, boil or purify water before drinking.
• Never handle any live electrical equipment in wet areas - if any electrical appliance has been in contact with water, have it checked prior to use.
• Avoid any downed power lines or anything in contact with a downed power line.
• Use flashlights, not lanterns, matches or candles to examine buildings - a gas leak may be present or flammable items may be inside.
• Do not go sightseeing in any disaster area.