Storm Preparedness

The City of Highland, in conjunction with the Highland Fire Department and Highland Police Department, held a community meeting on December 19, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Highland Police Department. 

The linked video summarizes important information provided during the meeting: City of Highland- Storm Preparation Meeting - YouTube .

To view a copy of the PowerPoint presentation, click here. 

• Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit:
• Keep a stock of non-perishable food and water to last for a minimum of three days for all family members and pets
• Create a  family communication plan to stay in touch with loved ones.
• Prepare your pets. Have transportation ready for all larger animals under your responsibility.

• Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risks.
• Know the safest routes to and from home should flooding occur.
• Prepare your small business for an emergency.
• When placing your trash, yard, and recycle bins out on the street for collection, place each bin approximately two to three feet away from the curb, so they do not impede the stormwater flowing on the street.
• Sweep up trash, sediment, and debris, and dispose of construction waste in the trash to avoid having these items enter and block the stormwater collection system.
• During an emergency, you should tune to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio broadcast station for current emergency information.
  • KFRG FM 95.1 & KXFG FM 92.9
• Follow the City of Highland Social Media Pages

Sandbags help to divert or redirect water, mud, and debris from your property and help prevent soil erosion.

A limited amount of sand and sandbags will be available to Highland residents, businesses, and organizations prior to large storm events at the following self-serve locations:

• City Hall: 27215 Base Line, Highland 92346
• Highland Station #1: 26974 Base Line, Highland 92346*
• Highland Station #2: 29507 Base Line, Highland 92346*
• Highland Station #3: 7649 Sterling Avenue, San Bernardino 92410*

*Sandbags only at these locations

In order to ensure that materials will be available to all citizens in need, there will be a limit of ten (10) sandbags per household, organization or business. Bring a shovel and be prepared to fill your own sandbags. Residents can also purchase fill materials at local home centers and building supply stores.

How to use Sandbags?

Watch the following video courtesy of San Bernardino County Fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8Ja2x0Tf4k

• Make sure your wiper blades, tires, and brakes are in good shape;
• Travel with a full tank of gas;
• Slow down when driving in adverse weather;
• Leave a few car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you;
• Use extreme caution on roadways and stay clear of downed power lines;
• Turn on your lights; the law states that lights must be on when windshield wipers are on;
• Stay in the center lane, as puddles typically form on the shoulder and median; 
• Avoid sudden acceleration and braking; and
• "Turn Around Don't Drown®" Never drive through a flooded street or intersection. If you come across a flooded intersection or street, turn around or find an alternate route. Don't attempt to cross swift-moving water; as little as one foot of rushing water can sweep a large vehicle away.

• Check and trim trees that may have weak limbs that could fall in a storm;
• Make sure your rain gutters are cleared. Fix any roof leaks;
• If you have water-wise plantings or a lot of dirt or loose ground cover in your front yard, make sure there are borders around the edges to prevent muddy runoff, which is harmful to the ocean and environment;
• Secure patio furniture and items in yards before a storm;
• If outside, stay away from trees, signs, power lines, and other objects that could fall and injure you;
• Aerate lawns periodically. This opens up the soil, improves the health of your lawn, and allows water to be absorbed better; 
• Verify water levels in your pools and/or spa; and
• Check your landscaping for low spots where water could build up.
• Check and trim trees that may have weak limbs that could fall in a storm;
• Make sure your rain gutters are cleared. Fix any roof leaks;
• If you have water-wise plantings or a lot of dirt or loose ground cover in your front yard, make sure there are borders around the edges to prevent muddy runoff, which is harmful to the ocean and environment;
• Secure patio furniture and items in yards before a storm;
• If outside, stay away from trees, signs, power lines, and other objects that could fall and injure you;
• Aerate lawns periodically. This opens up the soil, improves the health of your lawn, and allows water to be absorbed better; 
• Verify water levels in your pools and/or spa; and
• Check your landscaping for low spots where water could build up.

• Traffic signals that are out should be treated as four-way stops;
• Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. An unopened refrigerator can keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours. A half-full freezer will stay cold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage;
• Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard. Make sure you are prepared with backup batteries; and
• Do not use equipment indoors that is designed for outdoor cooking. Such equipment can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic 

If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. To report a fallen or damaged tree during the City's normal business hours, please contact the Public Work Department at (909) 864-6861. To report a fallen or damaged tree over the weekend,  click here .

• Weather Information & Forecasts: National Weather Service
• Southern California Edison: Power Outages 
• San Bernardino County: 
  • Emergency Preparedness  
  • Flood, Debris & Erosion Control Guide
• RedCross: Safety Checklist
• Ready.Gov: Be Informed
• Line Fire WERT Report

To report non-emergency problems including but not limited to blocked storm drains, potholes and broken street lights via the City’s Citizen Portal