City Ready for First El Niño Storms of 2016

With early preparations and safety measures already in place, the City of Garden Grove stands at the ready for 2016’s first round of El Niño rainstorms to hit Southern California this week. The City encourages all residents to stay informed and take necessary actions to lessen the consequences of flooding that may occur as a result of high-intensity rainstorms.

Since 1988, following the first El Niño, the City’s Public Works Department has completed 13 storm drain projects, cleaned out flood channels, and sealed as many residential streets as possible in anticipation of another El Niño season.

During the latter part of 2015, the Garden Grove Police Department conducted outreach efforts to assist a number of homeless living in the dangerous Orange County flood channels.

The Garden Grove Fire Department has established an El Niño webpage with information and safety guidelines in case of flooding. A flood zone map is also accessible.

Up to ten free sandbags are available to Garden Grove residents only at the following fire stations: No. 2, 11805 Gilbert Street; No. 3, 12132 Trask Avenue; and No. 4, 12191 Valley View Street. Residents are requested to bring their own shovels. Sandbags will be delivered to disabled or elderly residents by appointment only by calling (714) 741-5375.

A recorded El Niño hotline has been established to provide important information and resources 24-hours a day. The hotline number is (714) 741-5270.

Visit the City and Fire Department Facebook and Twitter for the latest information and updates. Download the City’s free Mobile App at Google Play or the Apple Store, to receive instant emergency notifications.