The Californer - California: State and local actions to pre-deploy resources for storms helps save lives

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Feb 14, 2025

State and local actions to pre-deploy resources for storms helps save lives

What you need to know: California's work to pre-deploy resources ahead of this week's major storms paid off with successful rescue efforts and no major damage reported.

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today praised the proactive emergency response efforts that helped save lives and prevent significant impacts from the latest major winter storms. Thanks to California's advanced planning, coordination and strategic pre-deployment of state and local emergency resources, the storm resulted in only minor debris flows, with no major structural damage or significant injuries reported.

The Governor directed the pre-deployment of resources earlier in the week, ahead of the storm. Specifically, the California National Guard cleared debris basins near burn scars ahead of this week's rain event. CalGuard proactively removed 298,335 cubic yards of debris and materials from the Sierra Madre Villa Basin and Eaton Canyon Reservoir which worked as intended to protect homes from debris runoff.

Additionally, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force deployed over 120 miles of protective measures in an unprecedented effort to protect vulnerable communities.

In the face of another severe weather event, California once again demonstrated the power of preparation. Our pre-storm efforts saved lives and kept our communities safe. We continue to be grateful to our first responders for running into danger and saving countless lives and property.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Pre-deployed personnel, equipment, and resources in 20 counties across the state led to life-saving efforts:

In Los Angeles County, urban search and rescue teams and swiftwater rescue teams worked to support 12 flood related incidents. One incident included a LAFD member who was swept off the road and into the ocean near Malibu.
In Orange County, prepositioned swiftwater rescue teams and a prepositioned helicopter were instrumental in the rescue of 2 individuals.
In San Bernardino County swiftwater rescue teams rescued multiple unhoused individuals along HWY 330 from rising water.
In Riverside County, swiftwater rescue teams conducted multiple rescues of individuals including one individual and two dogs holding onto a tree in rising waters.
In Mendocino County, Caltrans and State Parks personnel supported a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter conducting a rescue of a stranded motorist whose vehicle became stranded by rising waters.

Actions to pre-deploy resources

Cal OES pre-deployed flood fighting and debris flow resources to Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Marin, Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Sonoma, Colusa, Glenn, Nevada, Tuolumne, Fresno, Kern, Tulare, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside counties.
- 114 Fire Engines
- 10 Bulldozers
- 4 Front Loaders
- 4 Excavators
- 1 Road Grader
- 5 Helicopters
- 11 Hand Crews
- 55 Specialized Personnel
- 18 Swiftwater Rescue Teams
- 10 US&R Companies
- 1 Regional Task Force
319,000 sandbags and 5,600 super sacks were deployed to Southern California locations through the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
242 total CAL FIRE engines deployed throughout the state to rapidly respond, including 109 engines CAL FIRE Southern Region and 133 engines CAL FIRE Northern Region. CAL FIRE also pre-positioned 22 crews.
CalGuard proactively removed 298,335 cubic yards of debris and materials from the Sierra Madre Villa Basin and Eaton Canyon Reservoir.
The Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force deployed over 120 miles of protective measures:
- 606,576 feet of compost sock.
- 22,625 feet straw wattle.
- 7,500 feet silt fence.
- 7,960 feet of K-rail secured for use by local government partners.

"The close coordination between state, local, and federal partners played a critical role in protecting lives and property," said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. "This storm was another reminder that California must remain vigilant and ready to respond as our climate brings increasingly severe weather patterns."

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California leverages investments in real-time intelligence systems

The state-of-the-art ALERTCalifornia wildfire and disaster monitoring system operated by the University of California San Diego in partnership with Cal OES, CAL FIRE and other agencies provided real-time access to over 1,000 cameras strategically positioned across California.

During the storm, ALERTCalifornia played a critical role in situational awareness by enabling first responders and the public to assess rain conditions, debris flows, and make data-driven decisions to protect communities.

Californians are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts, review their evacuation plans, and heed warnings from local officials.

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