Sonoma County floods in more than one way. The lower Russian River rises past flood stage at Guerneville in big storms. The Laguna de Santa Rosa backs up around Sebastopol when the river is high. The Petaluma River and its creeks can overtop in town. And intense rain sends runoff and debris off hillsides, especially below burn areas.
Safety comes first
Sonoma County Emergency Management's flood guidance is blunt: don't walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock you down, and a foot can sweep a vehicle away (SoCoEmergency). Evacuate when told to, and don't go back until officials say it's safe.
What flood cleanup includes
- Pumping out standing water from living areas and crawlspaces
- Removing soaked drywall, insulation, carpet and pad that floodwater touched
- Cleaning hard surfaces and framing
- Drying the structure with equipment and documented moisture readings
- Mold prevention, because porous materials that stay wet more than a day or two can start to grow mold
Insurance and documentation
Standard homeowners policies don't cover flooding; flood coverage comes from a separate policy such as one through the National Flood Insurance Program, according to SoCoEmergency. Photograph water lines on walls, damaged items and every room before cleanup starts. Our flood insurance guide covers the basics.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Local flood pages
- River flood cleanup in Guerneville and the lower Russian River
- Flood cleanup in Forestville
- Russian River flooding in Healdsburg
- Laguna flooding in Sebastopol
- Petaluma River flooding
- Storm runoff and creek flooding in Santa Rosa
Where we connect homeowners
- Water damage in Santa Rosa
- Water damage in Petaluma
- Water damage in Rohnert Park & Cotati
- Water damage in Windsor
- Water damage in Healdsburg
- Water damage in Sebastopol
- Water damage in Sonoma
- Water damage in Glen Ellen & Kenwood
- Water damage in Cloverdale
- Water damage in Guerneville & the lower Russian River
- Water damage in Forestville
Other services
- Water damage restoration
- Emergency water removal
- Burst pipe water damage
- Sewage backup cleanup
- Storm damage restoration
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to remove drywall after a flood?
Floodwater-soaked drywall and insulation are usually removed, because they're porous and the water was contaminated. A provider will measure how high moisture wicked and cut above that line.
Who pays for flood cleanup?
A flood policy, if you have one. Homeowners policies generally exclude flooding. Disaster assistance may be available after a declared disaster; watch SoCoEmergency for announcements.