To: Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: PROCLAIM the week of October 17-24, 2026, as “California Flood Preparedness Week” in Contra Costa County.
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution proclaiming the week of October 17-24, 2026, as “California Flood Preparedness Week” in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Public Works Director, Countywide.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.
BACKGROUND:
On October 21, 2025, the Board declared “California Flood Preparedness Week” on October 18-25, 2025. This year, the State has declared “California Flood Preparedness Week” to be on October 17-24, 2026. Unincorporated Contra Costa County is home to a wide range of flood prone areas, including communities along creeks, tidal waterways, and low lying roadways that can experience flooding during intense or prolonged rainfall. With a strong El Niño pattern forecast for the upcoming winter season, the Public Works Department aims to provide residents with clear, practical steps they can take now to reduce flood risk. El Niño does not guarantee severe storms, but it increases the likelihood of heavier precipitation and more frequent flooding, making early preparedness especially important.
The theme is “Be aware. Be prepared. Take action!” During Flood Preparedness Week, the County will join federal, state, and other local agencies in raising awareness about flood risks and promoting safety. Understanding the causes and intensifying factors of natural events and natural disasters, such as floods, is key to reducing the risk of loss of life or property. Preparing for a flood should occur well before the rainy season. Property owners and residents are encouraged to assess their local risk of disasters and review their insurance coverage. Flooding is not covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies; however, flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and its partners.
As part of the County Floodplain Management Program administered by the Public Works Department, we aim to share valuable information and resources on flood risk and preparedness. This information is also available through the California Department of Water Resources, specifically the Flood Preparedness website, which includes links to resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Flood Insurance Program
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Contra Costa County will not declare that week as the Statewide California Flood Preparedness Week.
c: Monica Nino - CAO, Kristi Jourdan - CCTV, Carrie Ricci - Administration, Kelly Kalfsbeek - Administration, Jocelyn LaRocque - Engineering Services, Alex Vazquez - Engineering Services, Marke Smith - Engineering Services
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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IN THE MATTER OF: RECOGNIZING California Flood Preparedness Week October 17-24, 2026
WHEREAS, the County of Contra Costa recognizes the significant public safety threat flooding poses to the population, assets, and economy of our County; and
WHEREAS, the unincorporated Contra Costa County’s Floodplain Management Program provides services that support community safety, flood-risk reduction, and residence that are part of our citizens’ everyday lives; and
WHEREAS, the support and understanding of an informed citizenry is vital to the efficient administration of the Unincorporated Contra Costa County Floodplain Program; and
WHEREAS, a strong El Niño climate pattern is forecast for the upcoming winter season, increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall and localized flooding in unincorporated areas of the County; and
WHEREAS, California Flood Preparedness Week brings together; local, state, and federal agencies to inform the public about the dangers of flooding, how to prepare their homes and families for a flood, and plan for recovery; and
WHEREAS, California Flood Preparedness Week 2026 will be held statewide during the week of October 17-24, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the theme for California Flood Preparedness Week 2026 will be “Be aware. Be prepared. Take action!”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County does hereby recognize October 17-24, 2026, as CALIFORNIA FLOOD PREPAREDNESS WEEK, supports continued public awareness effort, and encourages County residents to take practical informed steps to understand their flood risk, prepare their households, and stay safe.
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