Storm Recovery

January 2023 Storm Cleanup Information

With widespread flooding across San Luis Obispo County, residents are urged to take precautions when returning to flood damaged homes. Although time is critical to preventing additional damages such as mold, the first step is ensuring your home is safe to return to.

Sandbags

Red Cross Clean Up Kits

The Red Cross has Clean Up Kits available for pick up at the following locations:

Paso Robles Fire Department – 900 Park Street, Paso Robles
Templeton Fire Department – 206 5th Street, Templeton
San Luis Obispo Fire Department – 2160 Santa Barbara Ave, San Luis Obispo
Five Cities Fire Authority – 140 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande
Morro Bay Fire Department - 715 Harbor, Morro Bay

The public can come pick up the kits during business hours.

Resources for affected individuals

Key steps to returning to a flooded home

Ensure the Evacuation Order has been lifted and you can safely return home
Check your home for any hazards or structural damage.

Look above for any tree or electrical hazards.
Check for any gas leaks.
If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location - do so. If you cannot access safely, contact an electrician.
Ensure your home has not been red-tagged.
Do not enter your home until you determine it is safe.

3. Wear protective clothing

4. Document damages and contact your insurance company.

5. Dry out your home as quickly as possible to reduce mold. Monitor moisture levels.

6. Throw away unsafe food. Do not drink water until it is determined safe.

7. Remove debris.

8. Remove damaged drywall and flooring.

9. Assess submerged appliances.

Appliances that have been submerged should be assessed by a professional before using. Their components may be damaged and corroded.

Flood clean up & recovery resources

The US Environmental Protection Agency has provided step by step instructions for returning home after a flood.

Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance | US EPA

American Red Cross Recovery & Disaster Cleanup Tips

SLO County Planning and Building

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems / Septic Systems After a Flood

Homes with Asbestos Clean Up Information

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

As a consumer protection agency, and in its role regulating California’s construction industry, CSLB is responsible for protecting those whose homes and property are directly affected by storms and floods, as well as other catastrophic events like wildfires, mudflows, earthquakes, and pipeline explosions. CSLB’s post-disaster mission is to help ensure that survivors are not victimized by unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors who may try to take advantage of them during the recovery and rebuilding process. It is a felony to contract without a license in a declared disaster area.

Consumers can protect themselves by using CSLB’s resources to check a contractor’s license status and history.

Web: www.cslb.ca.gov/media_room/disaster_help_center
Check a license: http://cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
File a complaint: http://cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Filing_a_Complaint/
Call CSLB: 800-962-1125

Information on Red, Yellow, and Green Tags

Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessment (RESA) is an important step in assessing the damage and safety concerns of structures after a natural disaster. County Planning and Building staff are currently conducting these safety evaluations of homes affected by the recent flooding.

Red Tag: Unsafe.

Building is damaged and poses an imminent threat to life or safety under expected loads or other unsafe conditions. No access to the structure is permitted.

Repairs must be made, and a permit is required.

Yellow Tag: Restricted Use.

There is some risk from damage in all or part of the building that does not warrant a red tag. The extent of damage may be uncertain or cannot be ascertained within the time and resources available to a Rapid Evaluation team.

Repairs must be made, and a permit is required based on work neccessary.

Green Tag: Inspected.

Building can be damaged, yet remains safe. The safety of the building was not signifcantly changed by the disaster.

County Planning Rapid Assessment Information

Immediate recovery resources