FAQ Topic: Utilities, Water & Mail Services

Install straw wattles to prevent debris, ash and erosion from flowing into waterways. Straw wattles can be picked-up from local hardware stores. For more information, go to https://www.sonomacountyrecovers.org/rain-ready/ If you see something (flooding, mud and debris flows), say something – call 911 Monitor your surroundings, and have an emergency plan in place. Stay informed: Listen … Continued

After a fire, windborne material such as ash and soil from paddocks with inadequate ground cover may be blown into streams. Once in the water, organic materials provide ideal food for bacteria and algae. These organisms grow rapidly using up all free oxygen in the water (it becomes anaerobic) and putrefaction results. Symptoms are dark … Continued

Fire ash contains microscopic particles (dust, dirt, soot) that can be deposited on indoor and outdoor surfaces and can also be inhaled if the ash becomes airborne. Unless tested, the ash is not classified as a hazardous waste, however it may contain traces of hazardous chemicals such as metals (lead, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic), asbestos … Continued

Given the scale of the burned area, it will be impossible to prevent the migration of ash and debris into creeks, and the concentrations of hazardous materials is unknown. Multiple agencies are working together to prevent fire-related debris, pollutants and sediment from being carried into our storm drains, creeks and rivers.

The goal is to prevent ash and debris from entering the waterways. You can help by taking simple steps by placing straw wattles, hay bales, and mulch around burned areas to reduce the chances of ashes and other material from washing into streams. To learn more, go to https://www.sonomacountyrecovers.org/rain-ready/

Increased rain runoff in burned areas can cause mud and debris flows. Multiple, federal, state, and local agencies are taking action to protect our watershed and prevent flooding, this includes: In urban areas, the City of Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma are cleaning and checking storm drains, and installing straw wattles and gravel bags to prevent debris from … Continued

Watch for unusual movement of water, land, and debris during or after rain. Have an emergency plan and leave your property if it becomes unsafe during or after a storm. Minimize soil and slope disturbances. Ash, leaf drops, downed trees, and remnant burned vegetation all play a role in protecting the soil and slopes following … Continued

The goal this winter is to prevent ash and debris from entering the waterways. You can help by taking simple steps by placing straw wattles, hay bales, and mulch around burned areas to reduce the chances of ashes and other material from washing into streams. Remember that everything that is outside drains to creeks and … Continued

Multiple agencies are working together to assess and reduce the risk of flooding and to prevent fire-related debris, pollutants and sediment from being spread into our storm drains, creeks and rivers. In urban areas, the City of Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma are: Increasing street-sweeping activities Cleaning and checking storm drains Installing wattles … Continued