Be Storm Ready This Winter in Rollingwood: Your Guide to Preparing for California's Winter Storms
Winter storms in Northern California can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and localized flooding, especially in communities like Rollingwood in Fair Oaks. Located near the American River Parkway with natural streams running through the area, Rollingwood residents need to be particularly mindful of storm preparedness. Here's your comprehensive guide to staying safe and storm-wise this winter season.
Understanding Rollingwood's Unique Flood Risk
The Rollingwood area is part of Sacramento County's Natural Streams Group and Tributaries (Zone 11B), where the Fair Oaks Stream Group runs through residential areas, including near the Rollingwood Condominium Rentals. These natural waterways are protected by county zoning code and surrounded by established oak trees and vegetation that provide important habitat and shade canopy.
While these streams are beautiful natural features, they can pose flooding risks during heavy winter storms. Sacramento County's Department of Water Resources (DWR) manages stormwater, drainage, and flood control for the area through programs like StormWise, which focuses on water quality and compliance.
Before the Storm: Essential Preparation Steps
Protect Your Property
Clear Your Drains and Gutters: One of the simplest yet most effective steps is keeping storm drain inlets near your home clear of leaves, branches, and other debris. Also ensure your roof gutters and downspouts are clean and flowing freely. Clogged drains can quickly lead to street and property flooding during heavy rainfall.
Secure Outdoor Items: Move patio furniture, tools, garden decorations, and anything that could become a projectile in high winds inside your home or garage. Secure items that cannot be moved.
Inspect Trees and Vegetation: Look for dead or sagging branches that could fall during storms. Pay special attention to trees on slopes, as saturated soil can cause even healthy trees to become unstable and topple.
Know Your Utilities: Familiarize yourself with how to turn off your home's electricity, water service main, and natural gas main in case of emergency.
Get Free Sandbags
Sacramento County provides free sandbags to residents starting November 1 each year. These are self-fill locations, so bring your own shovel. Typical locations include:
Orangevale Community Center
County Branch Center
Select Metro Fire Stations
Sandbags can be placed around doorways, garage openings, and other vulnerable areas to help divert water away from your home.
Assemble Your Emergency Kit
Prepare a kit with supplies that will last your household several days, as winter storms can cause power outages and may require evacuation:
Water and Food: One gallon of water per person per day, plus non-perishable food items and a manual can opener
Medical Supplies: First-aid kit, prescription medications, and any medical equipment you need
Communication Tools: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, bank records, and emergency contacts in a waterproof container
Cash: ATMs may not work during power outages
Personal Items: Extra clothing, blankets, hygiene supplies, and pet food and supplies if you have animals
During the Storm: Stay Safe and Informed
Report Flooding Issues
If your neighborhood experiences localized flooding during rain storms, report it immediately by calling 916.875.RAIN (7246). This helps Sacramento County's Department of Water Resources respond to problem areas and track flood-prone locations.
Who to Call
Life-threatening emergencies: Call 9-1-1
Downed trees or flooded roads: Call 3-1-1 or use the Sacramento County 3-1-1 website
Downed power lines: Call 9-1-1 AND your utility company:
SMUD: 1-888-456-7683
PG&E: 1-800-743-5000
Stay Informed
Monitor local weather forecasts and emergency alerts. Sign up for Sacramento County's emergency notification system to receive real-time updates about severe weather and evacuation orders.
After the Storm: Recovery and Reporting
Once the storm passes, inspect your property for damage but avoid downed power lines and standing water, which may be electrically charged or contaminated. Document any damage with photos for insurance purposes.
If you notice drainage problems or ongoing flooding issues in your neighborhood, continue to report them through the 3-1-1 system. Your reports help Sacramento County identify areas that need infrastructure improvements.
The Importance of Community Preparedness
Living in Rollingwood means being part of a community that values its natural environment while recognizing the responsibilities that come with living near protected waterways. By taking these preparedness steps, you're not only protecting your own home and family—you're contributing to the overall resilience of our neighborhood.
Winter storms are a part of life in Northern California, but they don't have to catch us off guard. With proper preparation, the right supplies, and knowledge of who to contact during emergencies, Rollingwood residents can weather any storm safely.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and be storm-wise this winter!
For more information about Sacramento County's StormWise program and drainage services, visit the Department of Water Resources website or call 3-1-1.
