SACRAMENTO – (INT) – Forty-three counties, including San Bernardino, remain under a state of emergency since the onslaught of severe storms began in late February.

State officials have given an account of their response.

Caltrans and CHP
• More than 4,000 crew members mobilized by Caltrans statewide, working 24/7 in shifts to keep roads open and quickly respond to emergencies.
• Caltrans has accelerated repairs on storm-damaged roads in nearly 200 locations

CAL FIRE
• 33 crews active statewide (including personnel from CAL FIRE, California National Guard, California Conservation Corps, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.)
• Five Damage Inspection Teams statewide.

California National Guard
• 125 Cal Guard soldiers and 48 High-Water Vehicles deployed across seven counties to support flood and rescue operations.

Cal OES and Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA)
• Cal OES has pre-positioned Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid Resources in communities vulnerable to flooding, including:
o 8 Swiftwater Rescue Teams
o 10 local government fire strike teams

Department of Water Resources (DWR)
• 40 deployments of Flood Fight Specialists to rapidly respond to levee breaches and localized flooding.

Department of General Services (DGS)
• DGS is providing 24-hour support procuring goods and services to assist in the response to storms and flooding, including: 95,000 sandbags; heavy machinery; security guard services; accessible and functional needs showers;
California Department of Social Services (CDSS)

CDSS is working with local officials to help coordinate food, water, and other supplies such as cots and blankets to ensure that people impacted by the storms have what they need.
• 22 open shelters across 11 counties

Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and State Water Board
• DTSC personnel are on the ground in Monterey County to clean up household hazardous waste resulting from recent flooding.

Story Date: April 3, 2023