Preparedness Is a Shared Responsibility
No single agency can eliminate the risks associated with severe weather. The County's role is to prepare infrastructure and services, coordinate emergency operations, communicate changing conditions, and respond when incidents occur. Residents, businesses, and property owners are encouraged to take steps now to prepare. Don't wait for a storm warning to get ready.
What Marin County Is Doing to Prepare
Residents aren't the only ones preparing. Marin County departments are working with cities, towns, special districts, utilities, emergency responders, and community partners to prepare for winter weather and potential storm impacts.
Preparation includes:
The County is coordinating with cities, towns, fire agencies, law enforcement, public works agencies, flood control districts, utilities, water and wastewater providers, transportation agencies, and community organizations.
Teams are using historical data and mapping tools to identify areas at higher risk of significant impacts from winter hazards. This information helps prioritize high-risk areas and guide preparedness and response efforts.
County crews and partner agencies are inspecting and maintaining infrastructure to help reduce potential storm impacts, including:
- 6,000 culverts inspected to identify maintenance needs and potential drainage issues
- 350 culverts, storm drains, and catch basins cleaned to maintain water flow and reduce localized flooding
- Drainage channels and roadside ditches cleared throughout West Marin and Central Marin
- Vegetation management completed along County roads to prevent vegetation and debris from obstructing drainage infrastructure, including hazardous trees
- Pump stations receiving increased servicing, testing and operational checks
Departments are reviewing equipment, staffing, supplies, and operational plans so resources can be deployed when and where they are needed.
- 10 pickup trucks with 100 gallon auxiliary diesel tanks
- Rock, culvert pipe, and emergency repair materials available
- ~73,000 sandbags
- Trash pumps, hoses, and pipe plugs available for deployment to move water and debris
- DPW’s County Facilities and Road divisions are on call for storm duty shifts
County departments and partner agencies are conducting training and exercises to strengthen coordination and prepare for potential storm impacts.
Public information teams are preparing messages and resources in advance so the community can receive clear, timely, and accessible information as conditions change.