The Humboldt County Planning & Building Department advises residents that there are potential health and life safety concerns arising from the current environmental events impacting some coastal homes.  

The combination of King Tides and heavy rainfall are causing flooding in the Humboldt Bay area. Many residences in Humboldt County built in the low elevation areas immediately adjacent to Humboldt Bay, its estuaries and the rivers and creeks, are currently experiencing flooding and water damage.

Flooding and Electric Shock Hazards  

Coastal flooding in the recent days has revealed the potential for electric shock hazards as floodwater has been entering inside some residences. 

The Planning & Building Department warns that flooding inside a home can reach electrical outlets, wiring and connections under the home, on floors, along interior and exterior walls as well as electrical connections on appliances such as water heaters. This creates a serious risk of electric shock, as electricity can travel freely through water without visible warning signs. 

Stay Vigilant

Here are some common things to look out for if flooding is affecting your home or you see water entering your home:

• Electrical power strips and other devices and appliances plugged into outlets or receptacles.
• Floor outlets, and outlets and other devices low to the ground against walls.
• Hard-wired appliances such as ovens, air conditioning and heating units.
• Gas appliances low to the ground or below grade.
• Any mechanical equipment or water heaters low to the ground or below grade.
• Any of the above in basements or sub-floor areas.

Safety Tips

If you have electrical fixtures that have encountered floodwater, please turn off the power source to either those outlets or to the entire home, and:

• Take the time to identify where electrical panels, commonly known as circuit breakers, are located around your home. These are often located at electrical main service panels and sub-panels inside and outside of the home. Circuit breakers can disconnect whole home electricity or smaller areas or specific appliances.
• Know how to disconnect your home’s appliances.
• If you suspect electrical hazards or other safety concerns, reach out to the appropriate service providers, such as electricians, plumbers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanical professionals, etc. for assistance.
• Hazards created by flooding are not limited to electrical hazards as there is potential for other health and safety concerns such as gas leaks, sewage back up and water contamination. Identify the way to disconnect and shut off gas and water lines.  
• Structural materials such as subflooring, insulation and wall cavities may also be compromised even if damage is not immediately visible, and mold can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours after flooding. 
• If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1.

The Humboldt County Planning & Building Department encourages you to share this information with members of your household and neighbors currently being affected by these environmental events.  

Report Damages

If you or your business were affected by recent flooding events, please report damages to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services (OES) by filling out the 2025/2026 Winter Flooding Damage Report Form. This form is meant to help Humboldt County OES assess the level of damage sustained by the community. Financial or other individual assistance is not coordinated or provided through this damage reporting process.

Stay Informed

Visit HumboldtGov.org/Emergency for the latest emergency updates from the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services.

Sign Up for Humboldt Alert

Humboldt Alert is the county’s emergency notification system. Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts at Humboldtgov.org/Alerts. For more preparedness tips and resources, please visit  Humboldtgov.org/Prepare