Item 26 - Adoption of the City of Santa Ana Emergency Operations Plan

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City of Santa Ana Emergency Operations Plan Part I Basic Plan Great Floods of 1993 — In 1993, El Nino spawned a storm and flood. This storm was concentrated in the Laguna Canyon Channel area from Lake Forest to downtown Laguna Beach. In spite of a valiant effort to save downtown merchants by sandbagging, the stores were flooded anyway. Laguna Canyon Road was damaged extensively as well as homes and small businesses in the Laguna Canyon Channel. There were no fatalities reported. El Nino of 1997-98 Flooding during the 1997/ 1998 El Nino Storm Season affected Orange County. Extensive storm damage to private property and public infrastructure throughout Orange County reached approximately $50 million. Storm conditions caused numerous countywide mudflows, road closures, and channel erosion. High ocean waves and storm activity forced the closure of Aliso Beach Pier when it was declared unsafe to the public and as a result, eventually required demolition. The high ocean waves also severely damaged the Laguna Beach boardwalk. Flooding occurred in that city, causing injuries and two deaths as a result of water and mud flow. Lateral erosion occurred to the natural banks of Serrano Creek and Aliso Creek. Storm flows destroyed portions of San Juan Creek and Trabuco Creek levees and channel linings. Major landslides in Laguna Niguel caused millions of dollars in damage. Deterioration and collapse of a culvert 25 feet beneath the asphalt forced closure of Santiago Canyon Road for three weeks. Although the 1997-98 floods resulted in substantial damage throughout Orange County, it was not unprecedented. In January 1995, a disaster was declared in the County as extremely heavy and intense rains quickly exceeded the storm runoff capacity of local drainage systems in many Orange County cities and regional Flood Control District systems. As a result, widespread flooding of homes and businesses occurred throughout these cities. There were approximately 1000 people evacuated and extensive damage sustained to both private and public property. A series of storms battered Southern California in January and February 2005. These storms were the most significant to hit Southern California since the El Nino of 1998 and caused mudflows and flooding throughout Orange County. Both state proclamations and federal declarations of disaster were made for these storms. Impacts of Flooding The largest impact to communities in a flood event is the loss of life and property to both private and public entities. Development in the floodplains of Orange County increases the risk of extensive property loss resulting in flooding and flood damage. Property Loss Resulting from Flooding Events The type of property damage resulting from flood events is dependent upon the depth and velocity of the floodwaters. Fast moving floodwaters can wash buildings off their foundations and sweep cars downstream. High waters combined with flood debris can damage infrastructure, pipelines, and bridges. Landslide damage related to soil saturation can cause extensive damage. Water saturation of materials susceptible to loss (i.e., wood, insulation, wallboard, fabric, furnishings, floor coverings, and appliances), in many cases, renders a home unlivable. Mobile Homes Many older manufactured home parks are located in floodplain areas. A manufactured home has a lower level of structural stability during a flood event and may be washed off its anchoring. Business/Industry Flooding impacts businesses when damaged property interrupts operation, forcing closure for repairs, and customer access is cut off. A community maintains economic vitality in the face of flood damage with quick response to the needs of businesses affected by the flood. Response to business damages can include funding to assist owners in elevating or relocating flood -prone business structures. Public Infrastructure Publicly owned facilities are a key component of the daily lives of all residents in the county. Damage to public water and sewer systems, transportation networks, flood control facilities, emergency facilities, and offices hinder the government in delivering services. Drinking water supplies may become contaminated by rising floodwaters. 75